Executive Team
Drew Kluska
Managing Director
Drew was raised on a property in rural South Australia before attending boarding school and university in Adelaide majoring in Agricultural Science. Drew travelled to Kenya in 1996 and found himself hosting guests at one of the flagships of East African tourism, Lewa Downs Wildlife Conservancy.
It was this experience that prompted him to found The Tailor in 1998, showcasing the best of Australia through the eyes of those who know it best ‘The Locals’, whilst always maintaining an exceptional standard of quality in all areas.
Drew’s passion has led to The Tailor growing to be one of the largest luxury travel companies in Australia and rated as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies On Earth” and “Number ONE in Australia” by National Geographic Adventure USA .
Kirsty Siekmann
Chief Executive Officer
Kirsty was born and raised on Kangaroo Island, off the southern coast of beautiful South Australia. Having loved travel from an early aged, Kirsty eventually moved to Papua New Guinea, where she lived and worked at one of the region’s premier dive resorts and owned a local produce processing business in the picturesque town of Rabaul.
Moving home to Kangaroo Island in 1996, Kirsty became the Operations Manager for the island’s premier 4WD tour operator, before eventually moving over to Adelaide and joining The Tailor in 2003.
Kirsty has been an integral member of The Tailor team for many years, holding important roles including Travel Designer, in-house System Developer, Product Manager, and now Chief Executive Officer. Kirsty is dedicated and constantly striving to ensure that The Tailor remains the best luxury travel company in the country.
Rick Albertini
Advisory Board Chair
Rick Albertini qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1994; he is a Partner of Brentnalls SA, a Chartered Accounting Practice in Hindmarsh South Australia. Rick specialises in business advisory services including advisory boards, strategic planning and management, benchmarking, cash flow, finance and wealth creation planning.
Rick joined The Tailor in 2008 as an Advisory Board member. He is married with two children.
Howard Saunders
Partner & Private East African Guide
Howard was born and raised in Australia and spent much of his early life out in the bush. Over ten years ago Howard moved to Kenya to become a Professional Safari Guide through his love of the African environment, the biodiversity of the wildlife and his passion for conserving it.
Howard began with Ker & Downey Safaris (Kenya) in the late 1990s as a guide and has since joined the Board of Directors of the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association as recognition of his knowledge and leadership abilities. Howard has been a key partner in The Tailor for many years and is our highly preferred private African guide.
Howard is married to Stephanie, a PHD researcher, and they have two children.
Clients Relations
Andy Edwards
Premium Client manager
Andy was born a 5th generation local in the renowned Clare Valley wine region, located in South Australia’s beautiful Mid North. As the youngest of 6 brothers, growing up on the family farm was an adventure (or achievement) in itself!
Having worked in travel in the early 90’s Andy has since lived and worked all over Australia including Darwin, Port Douglas, Melbourne and Victoria’s high country. Andy has held senior management positions within several large corporations with a focus on key account management and client liaison.
Andy’s primary focus within The Tailor team is to manage and maintain ongoing relationships with our partner agents and clients no matter where in the world they reside. He is dedicated to maintaining the value proposition that only The Tailor clients enjoy.
Matt Greenham
Luxury Travel Manager, USA
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
With its rich culture, stunning landscapes and diverse range of experiences, Australia’s offerings are seemingly endless. Our deep knowledge of and access to the most authentic luxury adventures ensures our guests enjoy what’s truly special about our country.
- Beach escape or outback adventure? Why?
Outback adventure! It’s the ‘beating heart’ of Australia and where you can experience our fascinating indigenous culture.
Product
Inga Afheldt
Commercial Manager
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
The people. It is wonderful to work with a group of very talented individuals who love what they are doing. I also have the opportunity to spend time with our Product Suppliers who together with our team, create and deliver some exceptional experiences in our beautiful country.
- Beach escape or outback adventure? Why?
Outback Adventure. Living in Sydney I am fortunate to be surrounded by great beaches so going to the Outback is a real treat. I love the people, scenery, wildlife, sense of adventure and peace.
Megan Lehmann
Product & Projects Coordinator
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
I enjoy the dynamic and energetic work environment at The Tailor, we are a team of hard working and creative individuals who are pushing the boundaries in Australian luxury travel!
- A destination on my bucket list… Why?
Cruising the Kimberley in style aboard True North – what more can you want. Learning about the landscapes and history from their expert guides while staying in comfort and enjoying good food, wine and conversation!
Michelle Glasgow
Product Coordinator
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
I love how nothing is impossible, and the effort everyone puts in to make the impossible happen. Not only that, but I love how attention to detail for the smaller things is just as important as the bigger tasks, meaning all trips we create are personalised and the best they can be in every way.
- A destination on my bucket list… Why?
Great Barrier Reef because it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I have seen so many breathtaking pictures of the reef, but to actually be up close to the marine life and to take in the beautiful view from an island such as Lizard Island, would be a dream come true.
Travel Designers
Lisa Williams
Operations Manager
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
I love working at The Tailor because as a destination specialist it allows me to showcase and share incredible experiences that Australia, one of the BEST countries in the world has to offer. Australia has such an amazing variety of unique and wonderful experiences so every trip we create is different and I can’t wait to share these with visitors who will leave with memories that will last forever.
- Take me back to…
Saffire Freycinet, its stunning location is truly breathtaking, along with its amazing food and wine, it is an experience not to be missed!
Kylie Damen
Senior Travel Designer
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
I love that not every trip is the same – we get to create amazing journeys that are customised for every client’s needs and interests. It’s also about helping create great memories for our clients. Plus the team are great and there is never a dull moment!
- Top travel tip
Take the time to stop and really enjoy the location you are in … these days everyone is constantly on the go! Even better, if possible, turn off your phone – take a break!
Rachel Barrett-Wood
Senior Travel Designer (UK based)
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
I get to chat all-day-every-day to people about my favourite place – Australia! The destination may be the same, but the people I talk to are all very different and are looking to visit Australia for a variety of reasons; it could be to satisfy a dream they have, to see family and friends, celebrate an event or revisit an old haunt from a previous visit. I love finding out about people and helping them select the best places to make the most of their time in Australia.
- A destination on my bucket list… Why?
Sal Salis to swim with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef – I love the remoteness of the region and the thought of sleeping close to the shore line, under the stars.
Janelle Leske
Senior Travel Designer
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
I love working at The Tailor as we create customise itineraries showcasing the absolute best of our fabulous country. Working with a select group of suppliers and up and coming product to create incredible experiences is rewarding and fun. And the ability to meet and work with clients from all over the world means everything we do is different and completely unique to the customer. Not to forget experiencing all of these magical destinations makes it even better, and working as a part of the fabulous team!
- Beach escape or outback adventure? Why?
It has to be both – an action packed outback adventure that is hands on meeting the characters of this country, seeing the wildlife, lots of activity and incredible landscapes, followed by down time on any one of our beautiful beaches to enjoy snorkelling, diving, water activities or simply relaxing – why should you have to choose!!!
Caroline Densley
Senior Travel Designer
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
Passionate and inspiring people who have an awesome suite of products to package together for clients that showcase an amazing Australia.
- City or Wilderness? Why and where?
Wilderness; Arnhem Land – the rich Indigenous history that overlays a beautiful region adds a sense of place to the location and experiences available
Cate Harley
Senior Travel Designer
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
I love knowing that the destinations, accommodation and activities we offer at The Tailor are at the pinnacle of Australian travel experiences.
- If I could live anywhere in Australia it would be
Near Byron Bay, for its climate, gorgeous beaches, beautiful hinterland and laidback outdoor lifestyle
Debra Pietsch
Senior Travel Designer
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
I love The Tailor team. And that includes everyone – my colleagues, our trusted suppliers and even the boss! I love the fact that we’re all 100% committed to ensuring each trip we design is perfect for every traveller.
- If I could live anywhere in Australia it would be… Why?
I’d love to follow the sun for a couple years and live everywhere in Australia. Up to tropical Far North Queensland and Darwin or Broome during the winter months. And back to the southern Australia wine regions and beautiful Tasmania during the hot summer.
Kerry Holloway
Senior Travel Designer
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
I love the whole experience from initial contact and planning a trip with clients, and then following them on their journey – you often feel like you’re along for the ride, and sharing the adventure.
- Favourite family holiday destination. Why?
We love Far North Queensland, with the reef and rainforest on the doorstep it is such a special part of Australia, and Tasmania for the beautiful landscapes, amazing food and wine scene, and most of all our nieces and nephews that call Tassie home.
Nick & Teri Talbot-Price
Travel Designers
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
We love being part of a very friendly and professional team that always goes the extra mile to help guests with their ultimate travel experience. Nothing is too difficult.
- Top travel tip
Teri: Enjoy every single moment of your trip, unplug from technology!
- One thing I always pack in my suitcase
Nick: My sense of fun and adventure!
Amanda Fisher
Travel Designer
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
I love sharing the knowledge that we have collectively gathered over years and years of selling Australia – each one of us regularly comes up with new combinations and twists on itineraries and destinations that we share with one another. With the help of our fabulous product suppliers we ‘invent’ new experiences that enable our guests to delve deeper in Australia. I love the magic that we add to every itinerary … something special, perfectly formed and ‘tailored’ to suit the traveller.
- City or Wilderness? Why and where?
Wilderness and for two reasons …. One is because I love the big sky country, I love places where you can see from one edge of the earth to the other. Where the sky is literally half of everything and it is usually as blue as can be. I also love being in the wilderness because we have so much to learn about our continent’s unique history, flora, fauna, bio-diversity, the conservation challenges we face and the Aboriginal people’s amazing connection to country.
Prue Fargher
Travel Designer
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
The flexibility of this dynamic team means we can be located anywhere in Australia, meaning there is always someone nearby ready to check out a cool new experience or amazing location. I also LOVE the fact I started at the Tailor during my university work experience, and after a 10 year career change….I’m back and it feels like I never really left! It’s a real family.
- If I could wake up anywhere in Australia tomorrow it would be…
Onboard the True North cruising the Kimberley Coastline, where complete luxury meets unrivalled adventure, untouched wilderness and pristine beaches.
Kirstie Zeller
Travel Designer
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
I adore working with our passionate and adventurous team! Being able to use our knowledge and expertise to create amazing trips full of new sights and adventures. Working with our amazing products and suppliers we get to put together an overall experience to ensure our clients will make memories they will never forget in some of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
What a pleasure to be able to do this every day!
- If I could wake up anywhere in Australia tomorrow it would be…
If I could wake up anywhere in Australia tomorrow it would be… In a swag, under an iridescent sky on the deck of a Longitude 131 Luxury Tent in the Red Centre, Northern Territory – I would feel the cool air before the warmth of the desert sun comes up, and look out at the view of Uluru and take in the significance of this spectacular place. Then I would definitely make a coffee….
Angelica Aidone
Travel Designer
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
The Tailor has a well-earned reputation for creating authentic, luxury Australian experiences. To be a part of a team who are equally passionate about this and working for guests who want to experience this, really makes this a dream job.
- Top travel tip:
Experience more of less. Resist the urge to treat your trip to Australia as though it’s once in a lifetime. Slow down and enjoy. Trust me, you’ll be back!
Michael Seeliger
Travel Designer
- What do I love about working for The Tailor.
Being able to showcase premium and authentic Australian experiences to International guests who subsequently get to experience and appreciate them.
- Beach escape or outback adventure?
I enjoy both experiences for different reasons. Beach escapes at a resort or on an island provide an excellent chance to escape from daily cares and rejuvenate.
Australia’s outback destinations ignite a spirit of awe of the ancient natural landscapes, where authentic experiences create lasting memories of true adventure.
The clear starry skies are amazing and you always leave wanting more.
Georgia Bedding
Travel Designer
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
I get to work with an amazing group of people that have all come together over their mutual love of this amazing country.
Through knowledge, experience, and passion there is nothing we cannot achieve. I love creating these unimaginable, awe-inspiring and unforgettable experiences that will always leave our clients having fallen in love with Australia.
A destination on my bucket list? Why?
I’ve got one big bucket list since starting my work here, not only full of destinations, but experiences! I absolutely love Australian wildlife, growing up on a farm I was surrounded by it, kangaroos, emus, goannas, I even had a pet wombat! Australia is so diverse, every region offers unique wildlife. If I could do anything in Australia it would be to site the even more elusive wildlife, either searching for the Cassowary in the Daintree Rainforest, finding Platypuses in Tasmania, or swimming with Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef! Can you tell I wanted to be the next Steve Irwin when I was growing up?!
Umme Halai
Travel Designer
- What do I love about working at The Tailor?
Having moved to Australia from Africa, I love that I get to pursue my passion of travel and curating holidays for people here with The Tailor. I love that I get to be a part of this fantastic team that are so knowledgeable and so keen in making people’s dream holiday wishes come true! I love the hustle and bustle in the office, the way we interact with each other and how they are all so open to giving advice and helping each other out. They are a dream team to work with and cluster that together with all our amazing products and suppliers – what’s not to love!
- One thing I always pack in my suitcase
My sense of adventure and an open mind!
Technology & Digital Content
Jorge Morillas
Digital Marketing Manager
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
I tend to think that my role at The Tailor is being an “Illusionist”. When you expose your work to thousands of people via our website, you understand you are creating a window to make viewers capture an idea and a style of travel they are pursuing. Difference here is that we can make those illusions real.
- A destination on my bucket list… Why?
Lizard Island because this beautiful island is one of the best and most unique spots to experience the Great Barrier Reef.
Jack Wagner
The Tailor TV
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
I love being able to express my creativity and passion for luxury travel.
Working with a great team that are experts in there field helps push my direction for producing and keeping me up to date with the industry and knowingly The Tailor deserves to have the best video content in the media today.
- If I could live anywhere in Australia it would be…
Sydney. The lifestyle of living in a city with world class beaches for surfing and fishing whilst also being able to network with high end directors and producers would be a dream. I love the diversity of the harbour lifestyle and the social aspects it offers.
Cass Both
Digital Content Writer
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
Working in the luxury travel industry has exposed me to a veritable wealth of stunning locations and experiences. Writing often acts as the translation of feelings to thoughts to words, so I feel very privileged in helping creating words to describe such beautiful places.
If I could wake up anywhere in Australia tomorrow it would be…
Orpheus Island, where I could absorb the tranquillity away from the outside world, traipse through the National Park and meander along the beach without interruptions… Bliss!
Tour Guides
Andrew Walters
Private Tour Guide
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
In my role as a private tour guide for The Tailor I am able to meet our wonderful international guests, and show them the incredibly diverse locations and experiences that South Australia can offer. It is a real privilege to share this with them.
- Beach escape or outback adventure? Why?
Definitely the outback adventure, specifically the Flinders Ranges. Once you have experienced an outback sunset and a night under the stars around a warming campfire, the outback is a very hard place to forget.
Administration
Ann-Marie Waydock
Office Administrator
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
There is always something new and exciting to challenge my mind working at The Tailor
- City or Wilderness? Why and where?
Wilderness; escape to the Kimberley’s, to a remote and unique location, off the beaten track – hopefully in the next year or so!
Edith Luo
Book keeper
- What do I love about working at The Tailor
The people at The Tailor are a pleasure to work with and make it enjoyable to come to work. I love that everyone cares and that you have flexibility when needed.
- Three things you’ll always find in my carry-on baggage
o 1… Passport/visa(s) or Photo IDs
o 2… Cash and credit card(s)
o 3… Reservations and itineraries with Hotel and/or tour contact information