Stuart Gregor

Stuart Gregor is a small business owner, company director, industry leader, journalist, gin and wine maker, creative force, auctioneer, MC and self-proclaimed humorist — but above all, he is a storyteller.

He is best known as the co-founder and former Global Trade Director (2013–2023) of Four Pillars Gin, Australia’s most successful craft distillery. Under Stuart’s decade-long stewardship, Four Pillars grew into a globally renowned brand, sold in more than 30 markets worldwide. In July 2023, Stuart and his co-founders sold the business to drinks giant LION (part of the global Kirin Group). During his tenure, Four Pillars was awarded the prestigious International Gin Producer of the Year at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in London three times (2019, 2020 and 2023), along with numerous global and domestic awards, including Australia’s Liquor Brand of the Year and recognition for sustainability leadership and Carbon Neutral certification.

From 2014 to 2022, Stuart served as President of Australian Distillers, overseeing the remarkable expansion of the Australian craft distilling sector. In 2023, he was inducted into the Australian Distilling Hall of Fame as inductee number six.

Long before Four Pillars, Stuart founded Liquid Ideas in 2000, one of Australia’s most respected lifestyle communications agencies, which continues to thrive today. He served as Chair of the Public Relations Council (2012–2014) and was named PR Industry Leader of the Year in 2014.

Stuart has also played key roles in innovative not-for-profit organisations including RUOK? Day and OzHarvest, serving eight years on the OzHarvest board.

A prolific writer and commentator, Stuart has authored hundreds of published columns on food, drink, travel and culture. He has appeared regularly on radio stations 3AW and 2GB, and on television programs including Gruen, The Project, and The Morning Show. In late 2023, he began writing a monthly column for ESCAPE, Australia’s largest circulation travel publication.

As a keynote speaker, MC and auctioneer, Stuart speaks on entrepreneurship, brand building, marketing, leadership, media, small business growth, and the art of turning passion into commercial success. His presentations are insightful, irreverent, and rich with real-world lessons from building and exiting a global brand.

Stuart holds a Diploma of Wine Marketing (University of Adelaide), a Masters of Marketing (Melbourne Business School), and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is also a qualified wine and spirits judge and will serve as the inaugural Chair of Judges at the Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show in 2024.

Based in Sydney and father of two, Stuart is also co-owner of luxury travel company Gregor & Lewis, Australia’s leading luxury cruise specialist.