Following a record number of entries, the 2015 Future Leaders program has singled out 15 individuals from the Australian grape and wine community to become the industry’s "next" thought leaders.
An initiative of the Australian Grape and Wine Authority (AGWA) in partnership with Wine and Grape Growers Australia (WGGA) and Winemakers’ Federation of Australia (WFA), the program is designed to develop participants’ leadership capabilities and encourage innovation and thoughtful debate on the future of the sector.
AGWA Chief Executive Officer Andreas Clark said the calibre of applicants was representative of the immense talent working in the Australian wine community.
“There are so many passionate and talented people working in the grape and wine sector, right along the value chain,” she said.
“Collaborating with WGGA and WFA, this leadership program fosters our up-and-coming talent, those individuals who will lead Australian wine in the future.”
WFA Chief Executive Paul Evans said that the program is about ensuring the next generation has the support and skills necessary to lead the way.
“There is a critical need for their innovation and fresh thinking in decision making,” said Evans.
The selection criteria helped uncover applicants with open, creative, inquisitive minds; leadership potential and demonstrated commitment to the success of the Australian wine sector.
Over the past ten years, the program has produced 75 alumni from the grape and wine community.
The FL2015 group will commence a six-month program in June where they will be encouraged to innovate, collaborate and ‘change the game’ by finding transformative solutions for the betterment of the sector.
