Angus Barnes resigns as WCA Executive Chair

After more than a decade of service, Angus Barnes has announced his resignation as Executive Chair of Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA), effective 12 February 2025.

His departure marks the end of an influential tenure that saw him guide the organisation through both triumphs and challenges.

Barnes first joined WCA’s board in 2012, and over the years, held key leadership roles, including National Chair from 2015 to 2019. His leadership was recognised in 2023 when he was awarded Life Membership of WCA. During his most recent tenure as Executive Chair, which began in July 2023, Barnes led WCA through a period of transformation, emphasising long-term sustainability and relevance within the wine industry.

Reflecting on his time with WCA, Barnes said, “I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together. The current National Board is the strongest I have seen in my years with WCA, and I feel confident in the organisation’s future. While stepping down is bittersweet, I look forward to supporting WCA as an engaged member, attending events and following its continued success.”

Barnes is set to take on a new challenge as the General Manager of Bunnamagoo Wines, located in Mudgee, NSW. His extensive experience in the wine sector, combined with his strategic vision, is expected to make a significant impact in his new role.

To ensure a smooth transition, WCA has appointed Lynda Schenk as the new National Chair. Schenk, a long-time WCA board member and a 25-year veteran of the Australian wine industry, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Schenk has been Co-Deputy Chair of the Board since 2020 and served as WCA’s Executive Officer from 2016 to 2020.

“I am deeply committed to WCA’s mission of engaging, inspiring, and advancing excellence within the wine sector,” Schenk said. “With my extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience, I am well-positioned to guide WCA during this transitional period.”

With Schenk moving into the National Chair position, Andrew Shedden has been appointed Co-Deputy Chair. Shedden, currently General Manager of Premium and Luxury at Endeavour Group, has extensive wine industry experience that will complement WCA’s leadership team.

In another exciting development, WCA has also appointed Alex Gibbs as its inaugural Partnerships Consultant. Gibbs, a Sydney-based marketing and growth expert, has been involved with WCA in various capacities for more than a decade. His new role will focus on fostering strategic partnerships to further enhance WCA’s value to its members and the broader wine community.

Barnes may be stepping down from the role of Executive Chair, but his legacy and contributions will remain central to WCA’s ongoing success.

Schenk, reflecting on Barnes’ leadership, said, “Angus has been a cornerstone of WCA’s growth and success for over a decade. His leadership, strategic vision, and deep passion for the Australian wine industry have shaped the organisation into what it is today.

“On behalf of the board and members, I want to sincerely thank Angus for his extraordinary dedication and commitment. While he will be deeply missed (both personally and professionally), we are excited for him and know he will continue to make a significant impact in the Australian wine industry.”

The search for a new Executive Officer will begin in early February 2025.