Two top wine bosses resign from key roles
Two Australian wine industry leaders have resigned in the past few days, including the head of an Adelaide research centre.
The managing director of The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) – based in Adelaide – and the boss of Australian Grape and Wine (AGW) have both resigned in the past week.
AGW CEO Lee McLean resigned on Friday, saying he would leave the organisation at the end of September.
McLean was CEO of the wine industry peak body for four years and said he was stepping away to “allow space for fresh thinking and leadership”.
Mark Krstic stepped down as managing director of AWRI yesterday following seven years of leadership and a total of 15 years of service to the organisation that supports the industry with cutting-edge research.
Krstic played a major role in smoke taint research and emergency response, and was central to the institute’s response through bushfire events in 2013, 2019 and 2020.
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Both McLean and Krstic were leading organisations that are subject to a lawsuit from Inkwell Wines head winemaker Dr Irina Santiago-Brown.
Santiago-Brown is suing for an alleged copyright infringement of her 2014 research, which she claims was used by AWRI and AGW to develop their national program named Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA).
All parties are awaiting a judgment following a 23-day Federal Court trial. InDaily is not suggesting the resignations are in any way related to the lawsuit.
Australian Grape and Wine chair Helen Strachan thanked McLean for his leadership.
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“Lee has led AGW during the most tumultuous period Australia’s wine industry has faced in generations,” Strachan said.
“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 is in the process of appointing a new CEO to commence in the coming days.
Kristic meanwhile said he “loved leading such a talented team of dedicated and passionate professionals who are deeply committed to advancing Australian wine through trusted, world-class science and practical industry solutions”.
“The AWRI is in a strong position, with an exceptional team, deep industry relationships and a clear purpose.
“I leave the organisation with enormous pride in what has been achieved and with every confidence that the organisation will continue to play a vital role in supporting the future of the Australian grape and wine sector.”
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