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News
Gosper resigns from Wine Australia
Wine Australia’s general manager of market development, James Gosper, has announced his resignation after five years with the company.
Gosper will cease full time employment with Wine Australia from 31 May 2014, but will continue to be involved in a handover process until 30 September.
He said: “I have had a fantastic five years with Wine Australia, working closely with an industry I am passionate about. Whilst the trading environment has been challenging we have collectively navigated our way forward and forging relationships with the great characters of the industry in Australia and globally during this time has been particularly rewarding.
“I now see many exciting opportunities for the future of Australian wine globally, and have decided the time is right to move back into the commercial side of the industry to seize these opportunities.”
Speaking to the drinks business recently, Gosper argued that Chinese government austerity measures could stand to benefit the wine industry, despite a drop in exports from Australia to China of 6% in 2013.
Stressing the positive aspect of cuts on lavish gift giving in China, he said: “I believe that the controls the Chinese government has put in place are going to be the best thing for industries in that market.”
“A lot of importers were bringing in unknown brands and even creating them to give as gifts.”
Wine Australia is set to merge with the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation to form the Australian Grape and Wine Authority – a single statutory authority which will lead on research, development and marketing of Australia’s wine industry.
George Wahby, chairman of Wine Australia, said: “On behalf of the Wine Australia Board, I would like to take this opportunity to thank James for his exemplary service over the past five years and continued commitment during the transitional period ahead.
“James is a passionate advocate for the Australian wine sector and has very ably led our global Market Development team over the past three years.”