ASX-listed winemaker Australian Vintage this week announced the appointment of Naseema Sparks and John Davies to its board of directors.
Following the chairman’s announcement at the AGM that he and Brian McGuigan plan to retire as directors of the company during 2015, the board has appointed two new directors with experience in the areas of marketing, digital media and finance.
Sparks, a marketing and digital media expert, is a former M&C Saatchi executive and more recently was chairperson of Deals Direct Group. She holds post graduate market research and planning qualifications and an MBA from Melbourne Business School.
Davies offers the board both industry and financial experience. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and has had a 36-year career with Ernst & Young. During his career, he provided professional services to many of Australia's leading wine companies. He also owns a commercial vineyard in central Victoria.
Both have a passion for the wine industry with a wealth of experience in their relative fields.
"There will be a transition between the two new directors and the two retiring directors over a period of approximately six months," AVL said.
"This will allow the new directors to benefit from the significant knowledge and experience of the retiring directors. The increase in the number of directors from five to seven will only apply during that transition period."
Australian Vintage chairman Ian Ferrier said: "The board is very pleased that Naseema and John have consented to be part of the Australian Vintage board. Naseema brings to the board significant experience in marketing and advertising and John has a strong financial background and a passion for the wine industry".