Chief Executive & Team

Lee brings more than 10 years of in-depth experience in agricultural policy, trade and international relations to Australian Grape & Wine. Lee commenced the role of Chief Executive Officer with Australian Grape & Wine on 16 November 2022, after 5 years in the role of General Manager, Government Relations. Lee is committed to working with Australia’s world-leading grape growers and winemakers to help drive a positive agenda for the sector in the years to come. As an early priority, Lee is in conversations with our members to understand their challenges and opportunities, making sure our team is focusing on the issues that matter most to grape and wine businesses.

Recruitment currently in progress.

Ali brings over 15 years of management experience in marketing and communications roles in multi-national, SME and not-for-profit organisations across mining, construction and international humanitarian services. As Director, Communications and Engagement, Ali focuses on the development and delivery of engagement and communication strategies and initiatives, managing partnerships and enhancing stakeholder relationships across the grape and wine sector. In recognition of her achievements, Ali won the 2017 Wine Communicators of Australia "Digital Wine Communicator of the Year" Award. She is the Chair of the Australian wine sector’s Diversity, Equality & Inclusion in Wine (DEIW) committee and was the keynote speaker for DEIW at the 2019 Australian Women in Wine Awards in New York City. Ali holds a Bachelor of Management (Marketing & Communications) from the University of South Australia.

After over 10 years of experience providing broad support for Australian wine industry engagement, policy and strategy, Damien now focuses on the trade and market access work of Australian Grape & Wine. Damien also manages the Australian Grape & Wine national advisory committees including the Wine Industry Technical Advisory Committee, Research Advisory Committee, Code Management Committee, Packaging Committee and the Wine Industry Market Access Group. The role takes on both a national and international perspective with core aspects including engagement and maintaining Australian wine's leading role in guiding strategic priorities across a number of forums including, World Wine Trade Group, OIV, Codex and APEC. Damien holds a Bachelor of Environmental Management (Hons) from Adelaide University.

Anna has 20 years experience in the grape and wine sector, originally in vineyard management and winemaking both in Australia and overseas, and later as General Manager of a well-respected premium wine producer in South Australia. She has been a non-executive director on a number of private and Government boards in the fields of biosecurity, natural resource management and grape and wine business. Prior to the formation of Australian Grape and Wine she gained experience in national advocacy as Chief Executive Officer of Australian Vignerons. Having worked across a broad range of roles, including practical hands on industry experience, she is well placed to promote the best interests of sector on domestic policy issues relating to water, biosecurity and environmental and economic sustainability. Anna has tertiary qualifications in Agricultural Science (oenology) and a Masters of Agribusiness. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the recipient of the S.A. Rural Women’s Award in 2013. She is currently studying a Graduate Diploma in Business Law.

Laura has over 10 years experience in the Australian wine sector, and 15+ years experience in stakeholder engagement across a variety of industries. She was appointed to the Corporate Services Role in January 2023, after being in the Membership Coordinator role for 6 years. Laura was pivotal in the modernisation of Membership Services for Australian Grape & Wine, creating the foundations for ongoing efficiencies in ways of working and reporting for this critical part of the business. With this expertise, Laura’s focus in Corporate Services will be overseeing compliance of Corporate Governance for the Board, Standing Committees and Membership Committees, while also providing support to the Chief Executive. This is a multi-functional role requiring strong industry engagement, ensuring Australian Grape & Wine operates within Australian and international regulatory framework.

Angie joined the Australian wine sector in 2013, initially in a supporting finance role, and in 2016 assumed sole management of all finance functions. Angie brings invaluable experience from her long career in finance including banking and investment services, before moving to finance management across a variety of industries including advertising, franchising, and retirement villages. She is currently responsible for all aspects of financial management and reporting across Australian Grape & Wine and the National Wine Foundation, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and statutory regulations. Angie is responsible for Australian Grape & Wine’s IT management, providing a reliable network with a strong cyber-security focus. Angie has tertiary qualifications in Commerce (Accounting) from The University of Adelaide.