JAMES CURICH
With more than 25 years of experience, James has a proven track record in developing and leading integrated communications programs for brands and businesses, across multiple industries including culinary, wine and spirits, travel and hospitality, consumer products, beauty and fashion, media, and more. Today, he puts that experience to work for clients at CURICH|WEISS, where he oversees the Food, Wine & Spirits Division, developing strategic and creative plans and programs for clients, and along with Co-Founder John Weiss, leads the general management and strategic growth of the award-winning Agency.
James started his career on the agency side, working with many leading heritage and new brands across industries. Food, Wine & Spirits highlights include introducing Gordon Ramsay to the USA with the launch of his first high-end restaurant and biography, the launch of TurboChef high speed gourmet oven through events with Charlie Trotter, Ted Allen and Kim Cattrall, and the launch of the Michelin Guide in the USA. Other clients included Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, Bedell Cellars, Bon Appétit Magazine, James Beard Foundation, StarChefs.com International Chefs Congress, and Lorraine Bracco Wines.
In the hospitality space, James has led programs for clients including Preston Bailey WeddingMoons for Sandals Resorts, The Cove at Atlantis, the reopening of the Fontainebleau hotel, and the Push Button House for illy Caffe. Additional experience includes work on Symrise Fragrance and Flavor House, The Fragrance Foundation and “Fifi” Awards, Frederick’s of Hollywood, Parmigiani Fleurier luxury timepieces, and more.
James has been a member of the BizBash Advisory Board, Fragrance Foundation Fifi Awards committee, James Beard Foundation Awards committee, and GenArt. James graduated from Rutgers College in 1996, completed the Windows on the World Wine School, and holds a certificate from the Institute of Leadership & Management. Additionally, James developed and led workshops throughout the Americas for WGS to train the organization on the ever-evolving world of public relations and digital communications, and how to maximize ROI.
Previously, James served as Director of Public Relations for William Grant & Sons, Inc. (WGS) from 2008-2015. In this role, he oversaw public relations, corporate communications, and digital programming for the award-winning distiller, which produces and markets some of the world’s highest quality spirits brands including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin, Milagro Tequila, and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum. Highlights of James’ tenure include leading the multi-year sponsorship of the successful documentary Hey, Bartender which chronicles the rise of craft cocktail culture in the USA, leading an exponential increase in brand-building PR results for the portfolio of brands, and consolidating the PR, Digital and Ambassador teams for integrated programming.
Co-Founder and Co-CEO