McLaren Vale announces new Board

McLaren Vale has future-proofed it’s trajectory and strategic direction with the appointment of a new Board following the 2019 Annual General Meeting on Friday, November 29.

In an effort to lead with both change and best practice, as part of the Association's 2018 - 2020 Strategic Plan, the prior Board of McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association (MVGWTA) committed to an independent membership and Board governance review conducted by Enterprise Corporation.

Based on best practice and Member consultation, the review concluded the Association's governance arrangements should evolve in order to optimise capacity to guide effective decision-making, with Members encouraging greater independence and a skills-based Board.

The newly appointed Board of seven, comprising three Member Directors and four Independent Directors including an Independent Chair, offer an impressive and diverse range of background disciplines and a wealth of experiences and knowledge to help guide MVGWTA's Strategic direction.

New Independent Chair Marni Cook is looking forward to driving further value to the membership and region through strong strategic oversight and governance of the Association.

“Together with the outstanding Board and MVGWTA team, I am delighted to have the opportunity to guide the strategic direction and governance to deliver further value to the grape, wine and tourism community of this magnificent region," said Ms Cook.

"I am looking forward to working with the new Board, who collectively offer an impressive level of experience, skills and commercial acumen encompassing wine tourism, viticulture management and sustainability, leadership, strategic planning, marketing, finance, legal, governance, risk management, stakeholder engagement and communications.

"It is an honour to continue the fine work completed by the MVGWTA team and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Board, led by Chair, Lauren Fried for their significant contributions and accomplishments.”

MVGWTA General Manager, Jennifer Lynch is looking forward to building on the momentum of a record year of growth in wine export value, tourism visitation and international recognition.

“Our Association has refined and methodically focussed its delivery against a well-considered and informed Strategic Plan to build value for Brand McLaren Vale, and we’re now delivering against that Plan on behalf of the region," said Ms Lynch.

"We know the Plan is working when we consider our 2019 highlights for McLaren Vale included exceeding the $100m milestone in bottled wine exports, six pages of editorial showcasing McLaren Vale in the December issue of VOGUE China, and continuing international award and recognition as a must-see destination.

"MVGWTA looks forward to continuing to ensure the long-term sustainability of the grape, wine and tourism industries in the McLaren Vale region and to protect and promote the McLaren Vale brand locally, nationally and worldwide."

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