On 28 July 2017, the drinks association announced the appointment of Georgia Lennon as its new CEO.

“After a full and thorough search, I am thrilled that Georgia has agreed to join the drinks association as our new CEO,” said Chairman Ralph Dunning. “Georgia will take over from our retiring CEO, Sandra Przibilla on Monday, July 31.”

Georgia is a senior executive with 23 years of experience and is a dynamic force in the Australian drinks industry. 

She was previously General Manager, People & Communications, at Accolade Wines, and a member of various councils and boards, including the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia Board, Women in drinks Council, Diversity & Inclusion @ Drinks Council; and the Alcohol Beverages Australia Working Group.

Prior to joining the drinks industry, Georgia spent 12 years at Experian Asia Pacific, a leading global information services company that provides data, software and analytical expertise to enable organisations to make and execute informed decisions. Her positions included Head of Marketing, Asia Pacific, and Marketing Director, Australia/New Zealand. 

“The board and I are now looking forward to working with Georgia to further enhance the effectiveness of the association for all our members,” said Dunning. “We are at an exciting juncture with our association where our association has a robust and broad range of services, forums and reports that are utilised by all members”. 

“We now have an opportunity to build the information and service driven platform to serve our members even more fully into the coming years. Georgia will be central to this strategic development and her demonstrated track record of developing and implementing strategic initiatives across marketing, communications, public relations, and operational efficiency will assist us greatly in achieving our goals.

“She has a well-developed understanding of the drinks association, its people and services and her previous experience in the IT sector with Experian will also ensure a strong contribution from day one.”

Reflecting on her appointment, Georgia said: “I am honoured and excited to be appointed CEO of the drinks association and have the opportunity to work with the very experienced Board, dedicated staff and committed industry members of the organisation.

“I look forward to working closely with all members and suppliers to create and deliver integral services that meet our members needs.”

Dunning paid tribute to Sandra Przibilla and the contribution she has made to the association during her tenure.

“For the last 10 years Sandra Przibilla has been a steady hand on the tiller of the association,” he said. “She has focussed all our resources on building our promise to Promote, Connect, Inform and Strengthen by delivering commonly required information and services to all members collectively more efficiently and at a vastly lower cost than could be achieved individually. This Sandra has delivered on in spades and she will leave the association in a strong and commanding position in the industry.” 

From the drinks association "daily drinks" 28 July 2017