We'd like to introduce you to the newest members of the Halliday commercial team. Leading the team is Commercial Director, Lauren Casalini. A familiar face at Hardie Grant, Lauren brings with her close to two decades of experience in media and sales and loves limoncello. Heading up Halliday trade memberships is Robert McWaters, who recently joined the team as the Membership Sales Account Manager. Robert has worked across media and membership companies for most of his career and loves a cool-climate chardonnay. Get to know Lauren and Robert below.
Lauren Casalini
Commercial DirectorTell us a bit about yourself.
I am a passionate individual with a strong focus on building meaningful relationships. When not immersed in work, I love spending quality time with family and friends.
Tell us about your experience in media and sales.
I've spent the last 18 years in media, advertising and brand marketing, and have dedicated the last decade to team and commercial leadership. During my seven years at Hardie Grant, I led key accounts including Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Zoos Victoria, RACT, and RACWA. I recently rejoined the Hardie Grant family after some time away after the birth of my son. I'm excited to apply my skills and experience to Halliday to help connect our audience with wines and spirits from across Australia and New Zealand. I look forward to working to enhance our audience's wine knowledge and wine appreciation, and I look forward to further understanding how Halliday can continue to champion the industry.
What excites you most about your new role at Halliday Wine Companion?
I look forward to elevating our content-based commercial offering and opening up new advertising markets for our trade partners.
What’s your favourite wine or wine variety?
I love champagne, and I also love pinot gris. I enjoy savouring life's moments – big and small – with a glass of something special.
Where’s your favourite place to enjoy a wine?
I am Italian, so gathering as a family and cooking together is in our DNA. This is when I enjoy a glass of wine the most – when I’m at ease, surrounded by loved ones.
What's your favourite drink?
Now that the weather is warming up, I’m really looking forward to some homemade granita and limoncello!
For partnership enquires you can contact Lauren on 03 8520 6416 or via email at laurencasalini@hardiegrant.com.
Robert McWaters
Membership Sales Account ManagerTell us a bit about yourself.
I’ve been with my high school sweetheart for many years and we just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. We have two wonderful sons who are in their 20s and two cherished cats. I’m a long-term resident of Melbourne's inner northern suburbs and moved to leafy MacLeod a few years ago to be closer to family. I like escaping to the ocean and touring wineries while on holidays. I don’t wish to turn people away – but I do barrack for Collingwood!
Tell us about your experience in media and sales.
Most of my career has been in media and membership companies. Publications I’ve worked for include The Weekly Times, The Herald Sun, Sunday Herald Sun as well as community newspapers. I also managed the RACV member magazine RoyalAuto, along with the member benefits program. Before joining the Halliday team, I worked at a data recovery and cyber security company. And I also work on some part-time media and promotions projects.
What excites you most about your new role at Halliday Wine Companion?
As an enthusiastic wine lover, I’m thrilled to combine my passion for wine with my media and membership expertise. I’m eager to delve into the wine industry, understand how Halliday Wine Companion can enhance member experiences and explore ways to grow and add value.
What’s your favourite wine or wine variety?
Top of the list is cool-climate chardonnay usually from Victoria, South Australia or Tasmania. I’ve rarely encountered a red or white wine that I do not enjoy.
Where’s your favourite place to enjoy a wine?
At home, paired with delicious food with company of family and friends.
What's your favourite drink?
Literally water! I love it. And, of course, the next exceptional variety that I am yet to discover.
To renew your Halliday trade membership and for all membership queries you can contact Robert on 03 8520 6430 or via email at robertmcwaters@hardiegrant.com.
