McWilliam's Wines Chief Executive Officer
It is with regret the Board of McWilliam's Wines Group Ltd announces George Wahby has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive Officer due to personal health reasons. Robert Blackwell has been appointed as the new CEO of McWilliam's Wines Group Ltd and will take up full time duties on 16 May 2011.
It is with regret the Board of McWilliam’s Wines Group Ltd announces George Wahby has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive Officer due to personal health reasons. George has been with McWilliam’s Wines for 13 years, serving as Chief Executive Officer over the last five years.
George will remain a non Executive Director of the McWilliam’s Wines Board, continue to represent the company on industry bodies and will support the company’s transition to its new CEO. Robert Blackwell has been appointed as the new CEO of McWilliam’s Wines Group Ltd and will take up full time duties on 16 May 2011.
“The McWilliam family is immensely grateful to George for his contribution to McWilliam’s Wines in the role of Chief Executive Officer. He has provided the business with incredible leadership and direction, steering the company through the important acquisition of Evans & Tate, as well as managing winery consolidations and developing and extending our brand portfolio,” McWilliam’s Wines Group Chairman, Doug McWilliam said.
During his tenure as CEO, McWilliam’s Wines achieved sales revenue growth of 36%, Net Profit growth of 12%, as well as increase its bottled table wine share by 1.1 percent during one of the most challenging times in the wine industry.
George has served on many industry bodies and is currently the Chairman of the Winemakers’ Federation Medium Winemakers Committee and Vice President of the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia. He is also a Director of the Liquor Merchants Association of Australia, Director of Australia First Families of Wine and has previously served on the AWBC Marketing Advisory Committee.
Robert Blackwell brings to his new role diverse industry experience, previously holding the position of CEO of Ticketek Pty Limited after establishing his own business in the USA and following 20 years with Coca-Cola Amatil in various senior roles including Director of Sales and Marketing and Commercial Director of SPC Ardmona.
