Fifteen participants have graduated from the Australian grape and wine sector’s professional development program, Future Leaders, equipped to shape change for the benefit of the industry.
Funded by Wine Australia, supported by Australian Grape & Wine and delivered by Pragmatic Thinking, the program is offered every two years to mid-career professionals. It focuses on developing individual talent and strengthening leadership capability to meet the sector’s evolving needs and challenges.
“The calibre of this year’s cohort speaks volumes about the depth of talent and drive across our sector,” said Martin Cole, CEO of Wine Australia.
“Navigating the complexities of the current environment — from climate pressures to market changes — requires bold thinking and genuine, collaborative leadership.
“These graduates are well placed to make a lasting impact on the future of Australian wine.”
Since 2006, Future Leaders has built a network of more than 150 alumni who continue to make valuable contributions to the Australian grape and wine industry.
“The tools and strategic models matter, but the connections and friendships forged matter even more — and have been a driving force in the cohort in how we think about change and leading our industry forward,” said Marianne Duluk, manager – Food and Wine Exports with SA Department of State Development.
Future Leaders is a finalist in the Best Education & Transmission category in the International V d’Or Vinexposium Business Awards, recognising impactful and responsible initiatives in the global wine and spirits industry. Winners will be announced in Paris on 8 February.
The graduates from Future Leaders 2025 are:
- Lachlan Aird, Shaw + Smith (Adelaide Hills).
- Nick Baverstock, Treasury Wine Estates (Coonawarra).
- Emma Brown, Brown Family Wine Group.
- Matt Duggan, Domaine Chandon Australia (Yarra Valley).
- Nick Dugmore, STOKE Wines (Kangaroo Island).
- Marianne Duluk, SA Department of State Development.
- Brendan Hawker, Yering Station (Yarra Valley).
- Callie Jemmeson, PachaMama/Joval Family Wines.
- Madeleine Marson, Vinea Marson (Heathcote).
- Chris Mein, Longview Vineyard (Adelaide Hills).
- Daniel Mortimer, Mortimers Wines (Orange).
- Nicola Reid, The Real Review.
- Andi Roberts-Davison, Melbourne Polytechnic.
- Ashleigh Seymour, BHF Technologies.
- Tash Stoodley, Savvy.
“Investing in our emerging leaders is central to securing a sustainable, resilient future for Australian wine. This cohort brings fresh perspectives, collaboration, and the mindset needed to lead through change,” said Lee McLean, CEO of Australian Grape & Wine.
Applications for the next Future Leaders program will open in late January 2027.