Jennifer Collins announced as WID new Chair

Congratulations to Jennifer Collins on being appointed Chair of the Women in drinks council.

Jennifer has more than 20 years experience across the FMCG, pharmaceutical and liquor industries and is currently the Global Marketing Activation Director at Pernod Ricard, a role that sees her drive a portfolio of premium wine brands across 75 markets. She has also been an Alternative Director of the drinks association since 2013. 

"I'm delighted to accept this appointment, and thrilled to be working with the other council members, the drinks association board and management, and strategic partners to create and deliver the programmes and networks to achieve our industry goals. " Jennifer said. "As an industry we have the opportunity to put ourselves at the forefront of driving change. 

"There is unprecedented dialogue across all sectors and industries around gender diversity - the benefits, approaches and experiences of individuals and organisations,"

"I'm thrilled to have Jennifer on board," said the drinks association CEO and acting Chair Sandra Przibilla. "She will lead well and continue the amazing work the Council has been doing to create a more diverse and inclusive drinks industry."

The Women in drinks council was established in 2014 when the drinks association saw a need to attract, retain and develop females in our industry.  

The council commissioned research by AON Hewitt that revealed female representation is lower in the drinks industry – from senior execs to senior management, and more generally in workforce participation -  than other industries in Australia.

Current statistics show that while 27% of senior executives in Australia are women, that figure drops to 2% in the drinks industry. In senior management the figures are 33% in Australia and 22% in the drinks industry. 

Among the exciting initiatives the Women in drinks board is driving in 2017 are an International Women's Day event aligned with the global theme "Be bold for change", which has attracted 450 attendees and sold out two weeks after tickets went on sale. 

The council has also launched a Mentoring Program for female executives working the Australian drinks industry, in association with Serendis Leadership Consulting. The program is a unique six-month experience that includes highly experiential, interactive workshops for mentees, facilitated group discussions with mentors and a rigorous matching process.

Jennifer’s appointment as Chair of Women in drinks is effective February 1, 2017.