Spirits & Cocktails Australia has confirmed the appointment of Greg Holland as its Chief Executive Officer.
Holland comes to the role with more than 12 years industry experience, with broad reach across the political spectrum gained from his roles with international and domestic public affairs and government relations consultancies.
He was most recently a public affairs advisor to Beam-Suntory, and previously served as an advisor to the Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia (now Spirits & Cocktails Australia) and NABIC (now Alcohol Beverages Australia).
Prior to his work in the alcohol industry, Holland was International Business Director to Australian Associated Press and a former advisor in the Hawke Government.
Spirits & Cocktails Australia’s membership includes leading global spirit manufacturers and distributors Diageo, Beam-Suntory, Brown-Forman, Pernod Ricard, William Grant & Sons, BacardiMartini, Moёt Hennessy, Remy Cointreau, Spirits Platform and Bundaberg Distilling Company.
The organisation has also elected a new Executive Committee to lead it into the future.
Diageo Australia’s newly appointed CEO, Angus McPherson, was selected as Chair of the new Executive Committee, replacing his predecessor David Smith.
William Grant & Sons GM Colin Rochester will serve as Vice-Chair, replacing Bacardi–Martini’s Denis Brown. Beam–Suntory’s CFO Mark Hill will assume the role of Treasurer, while Bundaberg’s Chair Amanda Lampe will continue in her role as the Ordinary Member.
“This change in leadership marks an exciting new beginning for Spirits & Cocktails Australia, as we begin to contemplate the path to recovery post COVID-19,” said McPherson.
“There is no doubt these are challenging times, but with every challenge there is just as much opportunity. As an industry, it is our responsibility to seek out these opportunities, find the solutions required and ensure spirits – and the broader hospitality industry – emerge stronger from the crisis.
“After speaking with my colleagues in the Executive Committee, there is no doubt we have the right team in place to achieve this, with Greg Holland at the helm. We are emboldened by his extensive public affairs experience, deep political connections and enthusiasm to effect change to ensure the ongoing sustainability of our industry.”
Holland added: “I am honoured and excited to have been selected to lead Spirits & Cocktails Australia.
“2020 has delivered a series of inconceivable challenges, beginning with the catastrophic bushfire season that affected so many in our industry and supply chains, and now the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
“But the spirits industry is innovative and resilient. The crisis has strengthened our resolve to advocate for a fairer alcohol taxation system and to work with our peers throughout the alcohol industry to ensure the speedy recovery of the category, as well as the hospitality industry, where so many of our products have been launched and enjoyed.
“I look forward to continuing to work with our members to deliver our plan for recovery and to write the pages of a new chapter for Spirits & Cocktails Australia.”
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