By Andrew Starke
Wine Australia has appointed Yvonne May as its new regional director, UK/Ire/EU, following a widespread selection process.
Announcing the appointment, Wine Australia CEO Andrew Cheesman, said May would bring ‘extensive skills and energy’ to the role, and will start in early January, 2011.
“This was an exhaustive search and we are extremely pleased to announce Yvonne as the successful candidate,” he said.
“Yvonne’s vast experience in the wine sector, particularly in the area of communication, marketing and PR, along with her impressive knowledge of the wine sector in the UK, was a key factor in the decision-making process.
“Yvonne has more than 25 years’ experience working within the wine industry, which includes owning and running a wine media communications company for the past 12 years.”
May had worked in all sectors of the wine industry, including luxury, high-end brands and was the UK/European marketing managing for Rosemount for six years.
“Yvonne has enormous respect from within the wine trade and wine media in the UK and has real passion for Australia and Australian wine,” said Cheesman.
“Her wine industry experienced includes wine education, on-trade and retail sales, communications and marketing.”
May and Cheesman will join the Wine Australia UK team for the A+ Australian Wine Tasting in January, when Wine Australia launches its new brand to the UK market.