By Amy Looker
McWilliam’s Wines has announced that its CEO, George Wahby, has stepped down from the position after 13 years with the company for personal health reasons.
Wahby has spent the last five years in the CEO position, during which time the company achieved sales revenue growth of 36 percent, net profit growth of 12 percent, and increased its bottled table wine share by 1.1 percent.
Wahby will remain as a non-executive director of the McWilliam’s board and continue to represent the company on industry bodies.
McWilliam’s group chairman, Doug McWilliam, said the company is immensely grateful to Wahby for his contribution to McWilliam’s Wines.
”George 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 said.
Wahby will be replaced by Robert Blackwell, who will officially take over the reins on Monday May 16.
Blackwell is the former CEO of Ticketek and has 20 years experience with Coca-Cola Amatil in various senior roles including director of sales and marketing and commercial director of SPC Ardmona.