Members Of The Spier Team
Frans Smit - Group Cellar Master
This man needs little introduction, having had our flagship Bordeaux-style blend named in his honour! Frans was raised in Kakamas, a small town in the Northern Cape. His interest in viticulture began at an early age and informed his career choice, starting with a diploma in cellar technology. Graduating at the top of his class, Frans spent his third year studying oenology, and joined Spier on graduating in 1995. A strong believer in simplicity, Frans relies on few conventions in the Spier cellar. He attributes high importance to grape quality - something he is able to spot with great accuracy. He is also a self-confessed 'terroir nerd' and spends a good deal of time studying vineyard charts. His favourite cultivars are Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot from Spier's own farms. Frans's idea of the perfect holiday is braai tongs in one hand, Spier wine in the other, and miles and miles of endless Kalahari sand.
Andrew Milne - Chief Executive Officer
Andrew joined Spier in 2004 and assumed the position of CEO in 2008, prior to which he worked as CEO of MWeb. Originally from the Eastern Cape, Andrew now considers Cape Town home where he lives with his partner of twenty-five years and two dachshunds. He enjoys fresh seafood and his favourite wine is wooded Chenin Blanc. He's particularly pleased that Spier Cellar Master Frans Smit consistently produces one of the best to be had.
Heidi Newton-King - Chief Operating Officer (Leisure) and Group HR Director
Inspired by Spier's intent on becoming an Employer of Choice with a strong values based culture, as well as Spier's ambitions to lead the way in sustainable business practices, Heidi joined the team in 1998. She currently holds the title Chief Operating Officer for Spier Leisure and also manages human resources. Heidi is passionate about innovation and change and believes that we can and do make a difference. She is happiest when travelling abroad with her family, looking for pioneering ways of doing business and spending quality time with loved ones.
Bryan Culhane - Sales Director
Born and raised in Cape Town, Bryan travelled extensively for the past ten years, but always loves returning to his hometown and favourite place in the world. He spent more than a decade in the frozen food industry and started working as Sales Manager for Spier in 1998. He focused mainly on the South African market but broadened his horizons to include the international market in 2001 which he now manages. Bryan is passionate about family, music, fishing and delectable food and wine combinations.
Dale Simons - ICT Director
Dale has a diploma in Mechanical Engineering and was trained by Anglo as a junior engineer. He then joined Pragma where he spent five years implementing Asset Management software and heading up technical support. He joined Spier in 2005 and now lives in Jamestown, Stellenbosch, with his wife Verity. They love working and living in the same community, and raising their children, Liza and Nathan. Dale likes outdoor activities like golf, mountain biking, camping, and preparing meals for friends and family. On such occasions he enjoys Spier Sauvignon Blanc or Creative Block 2 with fresh fish, or a Pinotage with meaty potjiekos dishes.
Gerhard de Kock - Finance Director
Gerhard was born in Vredendal in the Cape West Coast where he also attended school. He has worked for Spier since 2004 and became CFO of the Group in 2006. Before that, he worked as CFO for Pep Stores and la- for KWV. He is an outdoorsy person who loves any kind of sport. Gerhard's favourite wine is Creative Block 5 which he enjoys with a bowl of Spaghetti Bolognese made just so by an Italian Mamma.
Jaco Durand - Operations Director
Jaco joined Thales, one of Spier's subsidiaries, as General Manager during the lat- half of 1999. He currently assumes the position of Operations Director. Married with two children, he lives in Stellenbosch, his hometown for more than thirty-five years. Doing sport with his children, visiting with friends, and good food - both the eating and making of it - enjoyed with a glass of Spier Creative Block 2 (Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend) makes him happy.
Annebelle Schreuders - Marketing Director
Annebelle has been involved with Spier since 2003, initially as Managing Director of the Spier Arts Trust, producing, directing and marketing the annual Spier Arts Summer Season. A diverse range of work experience in the film industry, design, arts festivals and marketing, has allowed her to express her creative energy and passion for South African culture. As Marketing Director, Annebelle is responsible for developing and implementing a brand strategy that celebrates Spier's ethos and award-winning wines. Originally from Johannesburg, Annebelle now shares her home in sunny Seapoint with husband John and sons, Jan and Linden. She feels privileged to work in as beautiful a setting as this heritage wine farm provides and toasts her good fortune with her current favourite - a glass of Spier's Creative Block 2.
