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Our CEO and executive management team

Dr Martin Cole – Chief Executive Officer
Dr Martin Cole – Chief Executive Officer

Dr Martin Cole joined Wine Australia on 15 November 2021, having worked as Head of School, Agriculture, Food and Wine at the University of Adelaide.

He is internationally regarded for his work as a food scientist, with expertise in food safety, food trends and innovation, processing and nutrition, and the translation of science into community and commercial outcomes.

Along with his wine sector experience, Dr Cole brings more than 25 years’ experience in research management across government, academia and industry – including the broader agricultural sectors.

Described as an “influential, inspirational and visionary leader”, Dr Cole has held leadership positions with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industry Research Organisation (CSIRO), overseas and in larger commercial companies.

His collaborative, multidisciplinary approach and extensive experience in stakeholder engagement will be of great benefit to the Australian grape and wine sector.

Steven Weinert – Chief Operating Officer
Steven Weinert – Chief Operating Officer

As Wine Australia's Chief Operating Officer Steven has responsibility for all corporate services, financial, information technology and human resource functions as well as performing company secretarial duties. Prior to joining Wine Australia, Steven worked in senior finance and operational roles for a diverse range of corporate entities, ranging from the Port Adelaide Football Club to the Jeffries Group, and over 10 years in a number of different roles with Pernod Ricard.

Steven is a Masters qualified Fellow of CPA Australia and a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Dr Liz Waters – General Manager, Research Development and Adoption
Dr Liz Waters – General Manager, Research Development and Adoption

Liz has responsibility for Wine Australia's research and innovation programs, working in collaboration with diverse research providers to deliver short- and long-term value for the Australian grape and wine community and to help the sector achieve sustained prosperity.

Liz was previously Senior RD&E Program Manager at the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC), one of Wine Australia's two predecessor organisations. Prior to joining GWRDC in 2011, Liz held senior research positions at The Australian Wine Research Institute and the Cooperative Research Centre for Viticulture and is internationally recognised as a leader in grape and wine research.

Liz has a PhD in Wine Science from the University of Adelaide and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Paul Turale – General Manager, Marketing
Paul Turale – General Manager, Marketing

As Wine Australia’s General Manager, Marketing, Paul has responsibility for Wine Australia's marketing activities domestically and internationally and for the strategic leadership of Wine Australia’s marketing team, working closely with the entire Australian grape and wine sector to drive market development, open new markets and increase the demand and premium paid for all Australian wine.

Paul brings over two decades of experience in the wine sector to his role with Wine Australia, having held senior leadership positions spanning general management, marketing and commercial functions. His knowledge gained from lengthy stints at Pernod Ricard (Orlando Wines), Peter Lehmann Wines and Casella Family Brands where he had significant exposure to both the Australian and key export markets.

Lucy Wood – General Manager, Customer Engagement
Lucy Wood – General Manager, Customer Engagement

Lucy is responsible for Wine Australia’s communications and engagement strategy, facilitating strong working relationships with the Australian grape and wine sector and disseminating information to help businesses make decisions.

Prior to joining Wine Australia, Lucy worked in senior communications, stakeholder engagement and policy roles across politics, government and academia.

Ned Hewitson – Legal Counsel and acting General Manager, Regulation and Market Access
Ned Hewitson – Legal Counsel and acting General Manager, Regulation and Market Access

Ned is Legal Counsel at Wine Australia and acting General Manager of Regulation and Market Access. As acting General Manager of Regulation and Market Access, Ned is responsible for managing the regulatory and market access functions of the organisation, including the export controls and domestic labelling regulation.

Ned has a deep and diverse wine industry background, which includes undertaking vintages in the Hunter Valley, Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale; working in various domestic and foreign sales, distribution, retail and hospitality roles; show judging; and teaching undergraduate students. Prior to commencing at Wine Australia, Ned worked for several years as a wine industry focussed corporate and commercial solicitor.

Ned holds a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours), a Bachelor of Commerce (CorpFin), a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and a WSET Diploma in Wines. Ned has participated as a delegate at meetings of the World Wine Trade Group and FIVS and is a member of the International Wine Law Association (Australasian Chapter).

Louise Mickan – People and Culture Manager
Louise Mickan – People and Culture Manager

As Wine Australia’s HR Manager, Louise has responsibility of all aspects of people and culture, creating a diverse and inclusive environment where people have autonomy, mastery and purpose, while being supported and having fun.

Louise has a Master of Science in Human Resource Management Bachelor of Science in Biology with Psychology and is certified organisational coach. Louise has over 20 years global HR experience working in environmental consultancy, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, travel and life assurance. She is passionate about unlocking individual and organisational potential.

Jay Jayeshwaran  – Head of Business Development & Strategic Investments
Jay Jayeshwaran – Head of Business Development & Strategic Investments

Jay Jayeshwaran is an experienced leader in business development, strategy and investment, having worked across multiple sectors including agriculture, agtech, GIS, defence, renewable energy and financial services. Jay’s career focus has seen him successfully scale businesses by building global collaborations, acquiring companies and technologies and raising capital.

As Head of Business Development & Strategic Investments at Wine Australia, Jay focusses on investment models for R,D&A and Marketing, co-designed with industry stakeholders and through multi-sector partnerships.

Jay has held executive positions in senior management teams and company boards, and prior to his role at Wine Australia, was the Senior Business Development Manager - Agriculture, Food & Wine at the University of Adelaide.


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This content is restricted to wine exporters and levy-payers. Some reports are available for purchase to non-levy payers/exporters.