The Australian Liquor Stores Association (ALSA), has announced the appointment of Julie Ryan as its new Chief Executive Officer, to replace Terry Mott who will retire at the end of July.
Ryan is an experienced company director with over 15 years in global executive legal and advocacy roles. She also brings with her knowledge of Australia’s drinks landscape having previously worked as the Global General Counsel and Company Secretary for Accolade Wines, and a director of Winemakers Federation of Australia. During the 7 years at Accolade Wines Julie supported multiple Australian and international acquisitions, and was responsible for global legal risk management, government relations and brand protection.
ALSA President, Giuseppe Minissale, welcomed Ryan to the association after an extensive search for Mott’s replacement. Minissale said that the ALSA board was looking forward to working with Julie to “proactively advocate a compelling, evidence-based agenda that constructively influences the public and political sentiment”.
“The board selection committee was unanimous that the combination of Julie’s commercial acumen, refined negotiation and influencing skills, and advanced stakeholder management experience, made her the ideal candidate for the CEO of ALSA,” Minissale said.
“Julie has demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic plans for the clear communication of complex issues and this will be invaluable to representing all of our members and contributors.”
Commenting on her new role, Ryan said: “I am looking forward to the opportunity to effectively communicate the significant economic and social contribution the retail packaged liquor industry makes to Australia, and to advocating our right to retail liquor responsibly.
“My first priority though is to meet and engage with all of ALSA’s members, suppliers, corporate sponsors and contributors, in order to understand their varied needs.”
Minissale also acknowledged the “enormous contribution made to ALSA, its members, corporate partners and the broader alcohol beverages industry” by long serving ALSA CEO Terry Mott, who will retire on July 31, 2018.