Chris Tyrrell, CEO of Tyrrell’s Wines, has been elected as the new President of the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association (HVWTA), becoming the third Tyrrell to take on the role.
Tyrrell was voted in at the HVWTA AGM, held on Tuesday 21 November at Rydges Resort. He replaces Brokenwood Senior Winemaker Stuart Hordern, who has stepped down following his two-year term, and becomes the sixth president of the association.
During the HVWTA AGM, Sasha Degen of Degen Wines and Hunter Valley Stays, was also elected as Vice President.
Tyrrell, who follows on from his father Bruce Tyrrell and grandfather Murray Tyrell as Presidents, commented on his appointment.
“It is with pride that I take on this role to continue the excellent work of Stuart and the HVWTA team. In Sasha, I am joined by someone with a strong connection to both the wine, accommodation and tourism industries and who plays a key role in the advocacy issues facing our region.
“Her commitment to enhancing the visitor experience aligns with our focus to develop world-class experiences for our visitors.”
In accepting the role, Degen expressed enthusiasm about “collaborating with members, partners and stakeholders across the wine and tourism industries”.
As a not-for-profit wine and tourism organisation, the HVWTA is committed to ensuring the Hunter Valley is one of the most visited wine and tourism destinations in Australia, and that its wines are recognised domestically and internationally.
The representative HVWTA board comprises 14 local business leaders elected to support Jennie Curran, CEO of HVWTA, in implementing the strategic priorities of destination marketing, advocacy and industry development and engagement of the region.
At the AGM, Curran expressed her thanks to the new Board Executive and Board Members for their time, insight and commitment.
“In Stuart, Chris and Sasha, I see the best of the Hunter Valley, passionate leaders with a strong connection to place and who share the same objective: to make our region the best it can be.
“They do that by getting involved and by giving their time generously. Thank you to Stuart, Chris and Sasha; the Hunter Valley and the Australian wine and tourism industries are stronger for your involvement.”