New independent Chair for Wine Grape Growers Australia
Wine Grape Growers Australia is delighted to announce the appointment of Jo Andrew as Independent Chair of the organisation. The decision was made to appoint an independent Chair following the retirement of long-standing Chair and South Australian representative Vic Patrick.
“We felt we needed someone with a fresh perspective and experience in leading an organisation through a period of significant challenge and change, where we have to set the framework for the industry for the next twenty years” Justin Jarrett, deputy chair of WGGA and chairman of the selection panel noted.
“We were fortunate to receive a number of excellent applications, but Jo stood out because of her strong corporate governance skills, understanding of political processes and extensive experience with stakeholder engagement and addressing regional issues. She also grew up on a grape and citrus property in the Riverland, so she has excellent insights into the realities facing grapegrowers.”
Jo (Joanna) Andrew is a Capital Partner with law firm Mellor Olsson, which is based in Adelaide with offices in rural South Australia. Jo has specific expertise in Governance and Law, Strategy and Business Development. She is the current Chairman of the Brain Injury Network of SA, non-executive director of the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board and of Crime Stoppers SA and until recently was also Chairman of the Julia Farr Association and Julia Farr Housing Association.
“I am delighted to be taking on this role with Wine Grape Growers Australia” Jo said today.
“This is a fascinating and complex industry facing a number of significant challenges. I am looking forward to playing a role in setting the future direction for the organisation that will contribute to an improved outlook for winegrape growers.”
Jo has hit the ground running – attending her first WGGA Executive Committee meeting the day after her appointment was announced at the AGM on Tuesday.
From Media Release 16 November 2015
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