Wine Australia has welcomed in five new board members, as appointed by the Albanese Labor Government following an extensive selection process. Starting from tomorrow 1 October, Dr Angeline Achariya, Roslyn Baker, Andrew Kay, Elizabeth Riley, and Peta Slack-Smith will serve three-year terms as non-executive directors for Wine Australia alongside incumbent Chair, Dr Michele Allan AO.
“The new Wine Australia directors are suitably qualified and together possess a wealth of skills, expertise and board experience,” said Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
“They will help foster and encourage profitable, resilient and sustainable Australian winegrape and wine businesses."
The independent selection committee tasked with selecting the new board members was appointed by Australian Grape & Wine. According to CEO Lee McLean, "it is essential that the new board works closely with Australian Grape & Wine to strengthen and encourage profitable, resilient, and sustainable winegrape and wine businesses, ensuring that Australian wine is well placed to overcome the current challenges and thrive on both the domestic and international stage.
"I thank the outgoing directors for their efforts during a period of significant transformation,” he added.
Wine Australia’s CEO Martin Cole said he's looking forward on working with the new directors.
“The recent launch of the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan has highlighted urgent and longer-term priorities for the sector, with a need for strong leadership through a time of significant commercial, technical and environmental challenges,” he said.
“With a new Wine Australia five-year strategic plan to commence in 2025, and the responsibility of delivering the priorities of the sector wide One Grape & Wine Sector Plan, we are at a critical time for the Australian grape and wine industry. It is important that sector leaders are equipped with the knowledge and passion to work towards a sector that is innovative, profitable, resilient and sustainable.”
Launched at the start of August, Wine Australia and Australian Grape & Wine’s One Grape & Wine Sector Plan hopes to recalibrate the long-term goals of Australia’s wine industry via a clear framework developed in collaboration with feedback from the sector. Six key urgent sector priorities were outlined by the plan and will be addressed by the end of June next year, marking the first priority of the Board.
“The breadth of the Australian grape and wine sector is its strength; from family-owned grapegrowers, commercial and premium winemakers, to vertically integrated businesses and corporates," said Martin Cole in August.
"The strength of the Plan lies in our ability to share the load to optimise the opportunities ahead. But success is dependent on action."
According to Minister Julie Collins, “Wine Australia is well positioned to continue supporting a competitive wine sector, growing domestic and international markets and protecting the reputation of Australian wine, thanks in great measure to the contributions of the outgoing board members.”
The five new non-executive directors will join incumbent Chair Dr Michele Allan AO and will replace outgoing board members Catherine Oates, Catherine Cooper, Frances-Anne Keeler, Mitchell Taylor, John Lloyd, and Justin Brown.
According to Martin Cole, “the leadership demonstrated by the outgoing Board has been vital in navigating what has been arguably the most unique set of challenges the sector has faced; from the Covid-19 pandemic, natural disasters including bushfires and floods, the imposition – and eventual removal – of import duties by China, and an oversupply problem exacerbated by declining consumption trends.”
“I have been extremely fortunate to have had their support, guidance and advice since commencing in my role with Wine Australia. Their vision and expertise have been critical through significant challenges and the sector has benefited greatly from their contributions.”
//
Interview: CEO of Wine Australia talks China re-entry, wine glut, and program changes
Wine Australia funds university research into gender equality of wine industry
How far has Australia’s wine industry come in regards to gender diversity?
Share the content
