MATTHEW THOMAS SIMS PHONE: +64 (0)499098012 EMAIL: matthewsims0478@gmail.comNATIONALITY: New Zealander

PERSONAL STATEMENT

I am fortunate enough to have worked in some amazing industries in different countries around the world. I have a strong background in education and training. I have worked on the marketing and promotion of brands. I have managed teams and been managed. I have designed, photographed and created. I have negotiated and closed. This is now my fifth year of working in the liquor sales and marketing industry. The success I have had in this field comes from utilising not only these skills I have acquired from working abroad, but also the sensibility I have learnt as well.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Jan 2015 – PresentTHINK SPIRITS (Melbourne, AUS)Position: Territory ManagerWith a large portfolio premium brands, Think Spirits is a well-established spirits distribution company in Australia.Accomplishments:

Maintained constant growth by implementing unique sales and marketing strategies to grow brands. Planned and conducted successful trade and product training events. Planned and conducted successful consumer events. Prepared detailed territory plans to ensure adequate territory coverage. Secured, maintained and grew business revenue through exclusive pouring contracts. Developed existing customer relationships. Identified and developed new accounts and business growth opportunities Developed key customer relationships to maximise brand building and distribution opportunities. Utilised company marketing resources to promote and add value to brands. Ensured excellent in-house communication and CRM reporting.

Apr 2014 – Dec 2014NEAT SPIRITS (Melbourne, AUS)Position: Territory ManagerI assisted in building this new spirit distribution company with a strong focus on Australian spirit brands.

Aug 2011 – Oct 2013CATALYST BRANDS-GRUPPO CAMPARI (London, UK)Position: Brand Ambassador – Italian Spirits SpecialistAccomplishments:

First ever Italian Sprits Specialist. A position which has become the model for employment Europe wide Exceeded all London targets and grew Aperol from an un-known brand into a speed-rail product. Increased sales of key brand ‘Aperol’ by 120% in 2012 and 274% in 2013. Organised and ran a number of hugely successful tasting and experiential events throughout UK. Introduced Aperol to Edinburgh through running Aperol Spritz pop-up bar during Fringe Festival – three hundred

cases sold in four weeks and twelve menu listings in key areas Conducted 200+ training sessions including lectures to MPO heads (multiple pub operators), suppliers and at drinks

festivals and trade shows. Increased brand awareness through exposure both on-trade and off. This includes being involved in a large scale

billboard, written and outdoor events marketing strategy. Established a solid working network in the key trend setting areas of London. Handled a range of sales contracts from small independent out-lets to business chains. Established cross-selling opportunities for business colleagues. Ensured journey plans and reports were clear and concise and delivered by deadline.

Sep 2010 – Aug 2011SAF RESTAURANT (London, UK)Position: Head Cocktail BartenderSAF is the best vegan restaurant in London and stands at the forefront of the organic cocktail and wine industry.

Sep 2010 – CasualSHAKER BAR SCHOOL (London, UK)Position: TrainerShaker is one of the leading professional bar schools in London

Feb 2009 – Aug 2010PROFESSIONAL BAR AND RESTAURANT SCHOOL (Auckland, NZ)Position: Academic Team Coordinator/Tutor (National Certificate in Hospitality Operations and Supervision)Team Coordinator Accomplishments:

Guided the tutorial team through a business restructure. Inducted new staff and successfully streamlined them with the business. Created a clear line of communication for both tutors and management. Established relationships with key industry stakeholders.

Tutor Accomplishments: Consistently meet Key Performance Indicators. Played a key role in the development of assessment material. Established trusting relationships with students. Developed the Barista training scheme. Provided support for colleagues.

Feb 2008 – Sep 2008BLA3.TRAINING (Barcelona, Spain)Position: Cocktail Teacher (part time)BLA3 is a company that offers one off workshops in all aspects of hospitality. I designed and delivered cocktail making workshops to a variety of clientele.

Feb 2008 - Sep 2008LAS QUEVAS DEL SORTE (Barcelona, Spain) Position: Duty Manager/Cocktail SpecialistLas Quevas Del Sorte is a small independently owned bar located in Barcelona’s Bario Gotico which specialises in cocktails. I was part of a small team of cocktail professionals.

Sep 2007 - Jan 2008THE ELBOW ROOM (Shoreditch, London UK)Position: Assistant/Promotions ManagerThe Elbow Room is an award-winning mix of bar, club and American-style pool hall with three venues in London. I was an assistant manager of a team of twenty staff. I was also in charge of promotions and sourcing music talent.

Feb 2006 - Sep 2007THE LANE BAR (Brick Lane, London UK)Position: Assistant ManagerThe Lane Bar is a stylish restaurant and club venue situated at the foot of Brick Lane. I was in charge both the general daily and nightly operation as well as running of events.

CREATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE

Utilising my creative education and experience, I have freelanced for a range of magazines and events. This has given me firsthand experience of managing clientele, sourcing locations and working to strict deadlines.

MAGAZINE WORK: Reviews and Photographs 'BCN WEEK' MAGAZINE (Barcelona Spain)‘ONE WEEK TO LIVE’ MAGAZINE (London)‘THE PACKAGE’ MAGAZINE (Wellington NZ)‘TEARAWAY’ MAGAZINE (Wellington NZ)

CONTRACTED WORK: Photography and DesignLORENZO OUMO MENSWEAR (Wellington NZ) – INSTORE PROMOTIONAL PHOTOGRAPHSKIM AND ROBERT BRADBURY – WEDDING (NZ)LISA AND PAUL ROBERTS – WEDDING (NZ)DAVID ROCHE PHOTOGRAPHY (Sydney Australia)VICTORIA HOUSE ANNUAL BALL (Wellington NZ)TOWNSEND PHOTOGRAPHY (Napier NZ)

EDUCATION

BA HONS DESIGN, PHOTOGRAPHIC MAJORMassey University, Wellington, N.Z 1998–2001

DIPLOMA IN ADULT EDUCATIONSouthern Institute of Technology (Distance Learning) Current

NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN ADULT LITERACY EDUCATION (VOCATIONAL)Genesis Training Centre 2010

NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN ADULT EDUCATIONUpskill New Zealand 2009

LEVEL 4 CERTIFICATE IN HOSPITALITY OPERATION AND SUPERVISIONProfessional Bar and Restaurant School 2009

CERTIFICATE IN ART AND DESIGNEastern Institute of Tech, Napier, N.Z 1997-1998

SIXTH FORM CERT: ART, MUSIC, MATHS, PHYSICS, CHEMISTRYTamatea High School, Napier, N.Z 1992-1995

LANGUAGES

ENGLISH NATIVESPANISH BEGINNER / INTERMEDIATEPOLISH BEGINNER/ INTERMEDIATE

INTERESTS AND HOBBIES

I have a passion for music on a range of levels. I have made and collected music for a long time and have a wide range of genres that are of interest to me. I am very creative and find this in conjunction with my digital SLR camera a perfect avenue to express myself. I have enjoyed travelling and as a result have gained confidence in meeting new people and have become outgoing in whatever I do. I am motivated and confident in my skills and would like to utilise my experiences to further enhance my prospects within a more dynamic environment.