chief Executive officer
Andrew Weeks
Chief Executive Officer, Australian Vignerons Andrew is the CEO of Australian Vignerons. His role is to manage the advocacy and services role for winegrape growers in conjunction with the Independent Board members. A graduate of the wine industry future leaders’ program, Andrew has served on several industry bodies including the Riverland Winegrape Growers Association, the Riverland Wine Industry Development Council, the Regional Reference Panel, and the Riverland Viticulture Technical Group. Contact - andrew@australianvignerons.com.au or 0403 520 242 |
Independent chair
Joanna Andrew
Independent Chair, Australian Vignerons Joanna Andrew's appetite for a challenge and extensive board experience saw her as the successful candidate for the role as first independent chair of Australian Vignerons. Joanna is an experienced Chairman and Non Executive Director of various strategic boards in the NGO and environmental industry sectors and Capital Partner of a successful law firm in South Australia. She has specific expertise in Governance and Law, Strategy and Business Development. A Capital Partner with Mellor Olsson, an established commercial law firm based in Adelaide with offices in rural South Australia, Joanna has an extensive background in primary industries, being raised in the Riverland on a grape and citrus property. Click to read an interview with Joanna Andrew about the importance of Australian Vignerons skills based board. |
The AUstralian Vignerons board
The Australian Vignerons Constitution stipulates an independent, skills - based board. This replaced the representative Executive Committee that was in place with Wine Grape Growers Australia. There is still a representative component to Australian Vignerons, with the fee – paying members forming the Australian Vignerons Council. The Council has a role in electing the Independent Board of Australian Vignerons, and also in voting on issues that are deemed to be of critical importance in the wine industry, such as tax or water policy. The Council’s role with the board is limited to election and directing it on policy. Once the vote has been taken, the Council leaves the board free to carry out its oversight responsibilities without any additional influence.
The Australian Vignerons Board meets monthly either in person or via teleconference.
The Australian Vignerons Board meets monthly either in person or via teleconference.
Colin Bell
Voting Member Dr Vincent O'Brien
Voting Member |
Ben Rose
Voting Member |
Mardi Longbottom
Voting Member Simon West
Voting Member |
decision support network
The Decision Support Network (DSN) was established in April 2012 to provide young growers and viticulturists with opportunities to develop and exercise leadership at the national level. In addition to canvassing input from a broader cross section of the wine industry, it also serves as a useful tool for succession to the Australian Vignerons board.
Former DSN members include current board member Colin Bell (WA), former Board member Martin Gransden (NSW) and current CEO Andrew Weeks. Participants provide input on industry issues into Australian Vignerons Board deliberations, can attend board meetings as observers when appropriate, and develop networks with other growers and viticulturists nation-wide.
Former DSN members include current board member Colin Bell (WA), former Board member Martin Gransden (NSW) and current CEO Andrew Weeks. Participants provide input on industry issues into Australian Vignerons Board deliberations, can attend board meetings as observers when appropriate, and develop networks with other growers and viticulturists nation-wide.