Australian Grape & Wine (AGW) CEO Lee McLean will step down from his role next month, ending an eight-year tenure with the organisation.
McLean was appointed CEO in 2022, after serving five years as GM of government relations.
He brought more than a decade of experience in agricultural policy, trade, and international relations to the role.
“I’ve given this role everything I have, and I know it’s the right time to step away and allow space for fresh thinking and leadership,” McLean said.
AGW chair Helen Strachan thanked McLean for his contribution to the organisation and the broader wine industry.
“Lee has led AGW during the most tumultuous period Australia’s wine industry has faced in generations,” Strachan said.
“I thank him for his service to our industry and wish him well for the future. Lee has been a steady, trusted, and respected leader. He has invested in relationships across our industry, strengthened industry cohesion, and built constructive partnerships with the government.”
The AGW board said it will begin the process of appointing a new CEO in the coming days. In the meantime, its immediate focus will be on establishing interim leadership arrangements.
- Further reading: Australian wine exports slide as global demand softens.
