An election was recently held for positions on the AWRI Board in the small levy payer category. There were five candidates from four Australian wine regions standing for election. The AWRI is pleased to announce that Toby Bekkers from Bekkers Wine has been elected to the vacant position in the small levy payer category. Only one nomination was received in both the medium and large levy payer categories, so an election was not required. Louisa Rose of The Yalumba Wine Company and Ben Bryant of Pernod Ricard Winemakers are the successful candidates in those categories respectively.
Toby Bekkers is a viticulturist, consultant and wine business manager with over 20 years’ experience. He and his wife, Emmanuelle, own and operate Bekkers Wine and vineyards in McLaren Vale, South Australia. Toby has been awarded a 2017 Nuffield Scholarship, supported by Wine Australia, to explore world best practice in the marketing of fine wines directly to consumers. Toby is a current Director of the AWRI and was initially elected to the AWRI Board in 2014.
Louisa Rose is the Chief Winemaker of The Yalumba Wine Company and the current Chair of the AWRI. She was initially elected to the AWRI Board in 2011 and has been Chair since 2014. Her role as Chief Winemaker sees her involved in viticulture and winemaking in Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia, covering cool and warm climates. Louisa is actively involved in a number of industry organisations and committees, and travels around Australia and overseas helping to promote Australian wines.
Ben Bryant is Director and Chief Winemaker for Australia for Pernod Ricard Winemakers. Ben joined Orlando Wyndham in January 2000 based in Mudgee. From there Ben has progressed to various positions within Pernod Ricard Winemakers including winemaking, viticulture and global marketing. In July 2013, Ben was appointed International Brand Development Director – Asia based in Hong Kong. In 2014 Ben returned to Australia and held the position of Winemaking and Supply Manager, and then in September 2015 was appointed Director and Chief Winemaker for Australia.
All three Directors will commence their elected term on 1 January 2017.
Outgoing Board member Brett McKinnon’s term will conclude on 31 December 2016. The AWRI thanks Brett for his significant contribution over nine years.