Chief Executive & Team

Tony has had a distinguished career working in the research, policy and agri-political space. Since 1999, Tony has been a major driver of strategy for the Australian wine sector, including developing and implementing a comprehensive market access strategy, overseeing biosecurity, research and development and industry policy and strategy. A strong international focus has also resulted in developing key networks with competitors and other industries to further the interests of the Australian wine sector. Tony has also played a key strategic role in restructuring the Australian wine sector though the development of Wine Australia, formerly the Australian Grape and Wine Authority, which has a significant role in directing the activities of the sector. As Chief Executive of Australian Grape & Wine, Tony now leads the sector through advocacy, industry collaboration and strategy to create an environment for Australian grape and wine businesses to thrive and prosper.

Lee brings more than 10 years of in-depth experience in agricultural policy, trade and international relations to Australian Grape & Wine. As General Manager of Government Relations and External Affairs, Lee focuses on making sure the views of Australia’s wine grape growers and winemakers are heard loud and clear in Canberra, and in our State and Territory Parliaments. He is a strong advocate for Australian wine businesses and understands how the decisions of federal, state and territory governments can impact on their profitability and competitiveness. Lee holds a Bachelor of International Studies (Hons) from Flinders University.

Ali brings over 15 years management experience in marketing and communications roles across a variety of industries including mining, construction, manufacturing and not-for-profit. As Manager, Brand Strategy and Development, Ali focuses on shaping and delivering Australian Grape & Wine’s brand through key messages, communications, digital platforms and stakeholder engagement. Ali was the 2017 winner of the Wine Communicators of Australia – Best Digital Wine Communicator Award. She also oversees the Australian wine sector’s Diversity & Equality in Wine (DEW) project, and was the key note speaker for DEW 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 wines 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.

Sarah began working in the Australian wine industry in 2010, providing support in key areas of corporate governance and administration. Sarah focuses on overseeing compliance and logistical administration of the Board, Standing Committees, Membership Committees. Sarah holds a multi-functional role requiring strong industry liaison, and ensuring Australian Grape & Wine operates within the specified regulatory framework, while also providing support to the Chief Executive.

Laura began her career in the Australian wine sector in 2012 in administrative support. With over a decade of experience working in membership-based organisations, Laura was promoted to the role of Membership Coordinator in 2018, as recognition of her experience and skills. She supports members through the membership process, handles member enquiries and provides support to the Chief Executive with membership data and intel. Laura is passionate about providing members with value and a positive experience with Australian Grape & Wine.

Nikki has worked in national advocacy for winegrape growers for over 7 years and understands the importance of ensuring our members have a national organisation representing their interests. Her role in Grower Engagement ensures the grower voice is heard and organisational activities are relevant to the grower cohort. Nikki’s experience in administration, finance and membership also provides our members and stakeholders support at the business level.

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.