Alcohol Beverages Australia (ABA) has announced the appointment of experienced media relations expert Tony Ritchie as Director – Media & Communications, effectively immediately.
Ritchie will lead ABA’s communications strategies, helping to showcase how the industry is leading the way in the responsible consumption of alcohol in Australia. He will also help to highlight the positive social, cultural and economic contribution the industry makes.
ABA CEO, Andrew Wilsmore, welcomed Ritchie, saying: “Tony’s depth of experience, and innate understanding of media and politics, will ensure governments and the public are aware of the important social, economic, and environment initiatives that our beer, wine, spirit producers and retailers contribute.
“Working closely with the highly capable Ms Gohar Yazdabadi, ABA’s Director – Policy and Government Relations, Tony completes a strong Executive leadership team to help ensure a stable political, social and commercial environment in which the alcohol beverage industry may grow sustainability.”
Ritchie has experience in working directly in media as well as in corporate affairs roles. He was Founding CEO and Managing Editor of Sky News Australia and also held Executive and Director positions at Australia’s highest-rated television roles.
Most recently he led media, corporate affairs and communications at Deloitte, having previously held leadership roles at the NSW Dept. Finance, Services and Innovation; NSW Dept. Energy & Resources; NSW Police; and a former Federal Treasurer’s Office.
Ritchie said: “The ABA represents an incredibly important sector in Australian business and society, and I’m honoured to be offered the role and work with Andrew and the team.”