By Amy Looker, editor National Liquor News
Wine Australia has confirmed that its general manager for market development, James Gosper, will resign from his full-time role at the end of the month.
Gosper, who has worked with Wine Australia for the last five years, will remain on the board in a part-time capacity until the end of September to oversee the pending merger of Wine Australia with the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation, which will form Australian Grape and Wine Authority.
Gosper said that while the wine industry has had its challenges, he is excited about the current state of the industry and is looking forward to moving back into a commercial role when he officially wraps up at Wine Australia.
“I have had a fantastic five years with Wine Australia, working closely with an industry I am passionate about. Whilst the trading environment has been challenging we have collectively navigated our way forward and forging relationships with the great characters of the industry in Australia and globally during this time has been particularly rewarding,” he said.
“I now see many exciting opportunities for the future of Australian wine globally, and have decided the time is right to move back into the commercial side of the industry to seize these opportunities.”
Wine Australia’s acting chief executive Andreas Clark thanked Gosper for his commitment to Wine Australia, with a specific nod to the inaugural Savour Australia event that took place in Adelaide last year.
“During his time with Wine Australia James has established a dedicated global team that continues to deliver great results for the industry,” said Clark.
“I would like in particular to congratulate James on delivering Savour Australia in September 2013, the biggest Australian wine forum ever held which was an outstanding success.”