Our Team

David Whittaker

Co-founder / Director / Distiller

A creative Chemical Engineer, David’s design, project and operations expertise has seen him build the distillery of his dreams. This has also provided David with the opportunity to commission his innovative new still design and see it come to life.

Vanessa Wilton

Co-founder / Marketing

Vanessa’s passion, enthusiasm and never-say-die attitude sees her 25 years of experience in marketing and design glide through the process of building a brand identity for Manly Spirits Co. Always striving for excellence in all aspects of the business from customer service & experience to product development. 

Mal Higgs

Export Development

Mal has operated at all levels of the retail liquor industry for over 40 years. He has owned and operated more than 20 retail liquor stores during that period. He has a strong passion for the industry.

Rob Sutherland

National Sales Director

Following a long and successful career in sales, Rob considers himself very privileged to now be responsible for bringing Manly Spirits, a product which he passionately believes in, to alcohol connoisseurs everywhere.

Dave Richards

Operations and Distillery Manager

Adam Dowden

National Sales Manager, Independent

Peter Barker

South NSW Sales

With over 15 years experience in the industry, Peter Barker brings a whole lot of passion to the NSW Sales team.  Get to know Peter:

Logan Fitzpatrick-Vale

North NSW Sales

With a background in hospitality working in bars and fine dining restaurants developing a passion for food and beverage. He managed the distillery bar learning the operations of the company and brand ideals before transferring his skills to the sales team bringing Manly Spirits to greater Sydney.

Brooke Sumner

Regional Australia Sales

Maurizio Furiani

Brand Ambassador

Paige De Gruchy

VIC Sales

A passionate people person with 15 year background in the hospitality, events and sales industry Paige has a love for Whisky and Gin and feels like she’s truly found her people at Manly Spirits. Paige loves that she gets to share that enthusiasm every day while meeting amazing people along the way!

Alina Sheffer

Digital Communications and Content Manager

Hannah Brecknell

Events & Venue