Biographies
Mr Gary Bennett
Executive Vice Presdient & CEO Asia, New York Life Enterprises LLC
Gary Bennett joined New York Life from New York Life Insurance Worldwide in Hong Kong, where he was President and Chief Executive. A true Asia life insurance veteran, Gary has over 25 years of experience in the industry and has worked for a number of companies in Australia and across Asia Pacific.
Before joining New York Life, Gary was Managing Director North Asia of Prudential Corporation Asia. During his tenure, he was also a member of the PCA Regional Board, Life ExCo and Chairman of the Life Insurance Companies in Japan and Korea as well as a Director of PCA Asset Management Japan. Prior to this, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CMG Asia Life in Hong Kong where he led CMG's substantial growth in Hong Kong from 1997. He was also instrumental in establishing CMG Asia Pensions and Retirement Co. and CMG Asia Trustee. Gary also held a number of senior management positions for Colonial (CMG) in the Asia-Pacific region, including CEO and Chairman of Jardine CMG Consulting in Singapore where he worked on the China Licensing Team and headed the team that saw Colonial receive the first Australia Joint Venture Life Insurance License in Vietnam and China.
Gary is currently on the board of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, and is a Councillor of the Life Insurance Council of the Federation of Hong Kong Insurers. Gary’s belief, passion and commitment to Platinum Wines has transcended from being a prized client (2001), to becoming a business partner in 2009. Gary is a truly inspirational and highly respected business leader, and a great asset to the growth of Platinum Wines.
Mr Troy Sadler
Founder and Sales Director, Platinum Wines
Troy's family has been involved in the wine industry in Australia since 1965 and from this grew his interest in wine. Troy grew up playing tennis and due to his success he was offered a full scholarship to attend DeKalb College in Atlanta, Georgia in 1992, majoring in Business. Troy played tennis professionally for two years and then he created a successful five year business instructing celebrities and high profile business people in East Hampton, New York. Troy also managed a sideline business that revolved around his love for wine, as he was able to advise wealthy and famous clients on their personal wine collections.
A move back to Sydney in 2000 was to create a business more focused on wine and as a consequence he created a wine consulting company in 2000, specialising in building fine wine collections for clients. After a few years it turned out that more of his clients were based in Asia so it made sense for the company to move to Hong Kong and Platinum Wines was born in May 2006. Troy has since built Platinum Wines up to be a well-respected fine wine company and it is one of the top importing companies in Hong Kong.
Mr Rickesh Kishnani
Managing Director, Platinum Wines
Rickesh has been involved with various aspects of the wine industry including organising tasting events, running En Primeur campaigns, coordinating wine buying with vineyards, and managing clients' investment portfolios. His passion for wine began while visiting vineyards in California but has since expanded to all major regions of the world.
Prior to finding his passion in the wine industry, Rickesh was Vice-President of Business Development for Hook Logic in New York City where he was responsible for sales and marketing to expand Hook’s network of clients and vendors. In 2003, Rickesh also served as President of AIESEC United States, an international organisation providing global internship services to corporations and university graduates worldwide. During his time with AIESEC Rickesh led a re-design of all customer processes, directed the creation of customized global HR solutions for several clients such as Kraft Foods and Delphi Automotive, and built supply relationships with colleagues in over 25 countries.
Originally from Hong Kong, Rickesh holds a Bachelors degree from the University of Michigan and has been involved with the creation of several successful start-up ventures in New York City and Hong Kong.
For a personal wine consultant to guide your selections, premium wines delivered directly to your home and exclusive wine tasting events throughout the year.