Australian Grape & Wine CEO to depart end of September

Australian Grape & Wine’s CEO, Lee McLean, has announced that he will leave the organisation at the end of September. His resignation comes after eight years with Australian Grape & Wine, including four years as CEO.

“Serving Australia’s grape growers and winemakers has been a great privilege,” McLean said. “I've given this role everything I have, and I know it’s the right time to step away and allow space for fresh thinking and leadership.”

Australian Grape & Wine’s Chair, Helen Strachan, and the Board, thanked McLean for his leadership.

“Lee has led AGW during the most tumultuous period Australia’s wine industry has faced in generations,” Strachan said.

“I thank him for his service to our industry and wish him well for the future. Lee has been a steady, trusted and respected leader. He has invested in relationships across our industry, strengthened industry cohesion and built constructive partnerships with government. His advocacy has ensured AGW remains a credible and influential voice through unprecedented challenges and his work has delivered meaningful outcomes for the people and communities who make up our industry.”

The Board will now work to settle on interim arrangements, with the process of appointing a new CEO to commence in the coming days.

“I am eternally grateful for the support of my wonderful team, past and present, who have worked so hard for the industry during my time as CEO,” McLean said.

“I would also like to thank the AGW board, our committees and the Chairs I have served during my time at the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia, and then AGW.

“But most of all, I want to thank Australian Grape & Wine’s members, and all the people I’ve been able to work with and learn from.

“While I know conditions are very difficult for many in our industry, the reality is we are today making wines that are better than they have ever been.

“I look forward to championing Australian wine at every opportunity in the future.”

Image: Supplied