Change in Executive Officer for NSW Wine Industry Association

The New South Wales Wine Industry Association (NSWWIA) has welcomed Angus Barnes as Acting Executive Officer following the announcement of Stuart McGrath-Kerr's retirement.

McGrath-Kerr held the role of Executive Officer for the past 20 years, overseeing great change and growth in the state’s wine industry. His contributions included the creation of the NSW Wine brand and raising its profile through work with the NSW Wine Awards along with Sydney Cellar Door.

McGrath-Kerr will retire from his role on 30 April 2017 and has given the Association his best wishes.

“I would like to acknowledge the great contribution made to the Association by many who served on the Committee including past presidents Chris Barnes AM, David Lowe and more recently Tom Ward, and I thank them all for their support. I wish the Association every success in its future endeavours,” said McGrath-Kerr.

Tom Ward, President of the NSWWIA thanked McGrath-Kerr for his service to the NSW wine industry.

“Stuart has been a focal point for NSW wine and has played a vastly important role in making sure that the interests of NSW wine are fostered both locally and nationally,” said Ward.

“I would particularly like to thank Stuart, and his wife Noni, for the role they have played in making the NSW Wine Awards an important and successful part of the NSW wine calendar. I wish Stuart and Noni all the best for the future and hope that they continue to drink the great wines of NSW once they move to Tasmania.”

Barnes’ temporary role as Acting Executive Officer for NSWWIA will see him step down from his current role as Vice President in charge of Government Relations. Barnes is also the current National Chair of the Wine Communicators of Australia. Barnes brings to the role a long career in the wine industry, spanning back to his childhood in the Hunter Valley vineyards. Most recently, Barnes held senior global roles with Pernod Ricard Winemakers.

As Acting Executive Officer, Barnes’ key focuses will be the launch and implementation of NSW Government and industry joint strategy 2028; an independent review of NSWWIA; and the agreement and implementation of the federal government’s Export and Regional Support Package.

Barnes will transition into his new role this month, effective from 1 April 2017.

*Image: NSWWIA Acting Executive Officer Angus Barnes