Taylors Wines has announced changes to its leadership team, with Mitchell Taylor moving from Managing Director to Chairman of the Board after 25 years in the MD position.
The group has also announced it has appointed John Freeman as its new CEO and he will begin in his new role from July 21. The changes come as part of what current Chairman David Ansell described as “the company’s long-term strategy”.
“Mitchell’s knowledge and experience within Taylors and the Australian wine industry is second to none. In his new role as Chair, he will provide the continuity and insight we need to unlock the next chapter of this Australian success story,” Ansell said.
Taylor said Taylors Wines was ideally positioned to grow its business in Australia and across the world.
“I am proud of our achievements over many years, particularly the premiumisation of our family brand with the St Andrews and Jaraman ranges, as well as our pinnacle wines, The Visionary, The Pioneer, and The Legacy. It has been our ambition to elevate the quality of Taylors Wines with our skilled viticulture and winemaking teams, resulting in major awards globally and making us the third largest and number one family brand by value in the Australian wine market.
“It has been a privilege and honour to lead our family business through great change and growth over many years. I will shift my focus and energy to family business ownership, overall strategy, vision and succession planning for Taylors, while mentoring the next generation of leaders within the business.”
Freeman joins Taylors after 16 years with Delegat Group in New Zealand and Australia, and Taylor said: “[John] has a strong track record in delivering growth, knows what it takes to compete successfully and consistently, and is well-positioned to drive Taylors Wines’ next stage of development.”
Freeman added: “There is enormous potential to build on this legacy, expand our market presence, and accelerate our growth agenda. I look forward to working closely with Mitchell, the Taylor family, the Board, and the entire team to continue delivering exceptional wines to consumers around the world.”
Taylor also thanked both Ansell for his work as Chairman, he said: “I want to thank David and the Board for their guidance and support over the past years, and I look forward to working with John and the executive team to accelerate our growth while staying true to the family values this business has been built on.”