Neil McGuigan has resigned as the CEO of Australian Vintage Limited (AVL), and will step down following the company’s AGM in November.
He will commence a new role as AVL’s Technical Advisor and will be replaced by Craig Garvin, who will join the business as CEO elect in September.
McGuigan said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as CEO, working with our talented team to create fantastic brands that are enjoyed around the globe. Being able to continue contributing to the company in the future, building on what my brother Brian started when he established the business in 1992, is very gratifying.”
Richard Davis, Chairman of AVG, added: “Neil has a great passion for the wine industry and has done a tremendous job as CEO of this company. During his time as CEO he has transformed it into a well-respected branded wine company with a clear focus on developing world leading quality wine. We thank him for all his efforts in the role of CEO.”
Garvin has been CEO of Parmalat for the last nine years Parmalat, having previously held senior positions at Star City Casino, Campbell Arnott’s and Lion Nathan. AVL described Garvin as “an experienced CEO with a demonstrable track-record of building strong and sustained business growth”.
Davis said: “The Board has a strong focus on achieving the right cultural fit. Craig has built strong, diverse teams with a focus on collaborative cultural creation. I have no doubt that he will continue the great work that Neil did in inspiring and leading the tremendous talent that we have at AVL.”
Garvin said: “I am looking forward to working with the executive leadership team to keep developing and empowering the talent at AVL. I’m excited to build on Neil’s successful transformation of this company and to support the existing strategies into outcomes that generate long-term profitable growth for the company and our shareholders.”
McGuigan joined AVL in 2004 as General Manager for Wine Supply in 2004, and has since held the position of CEO for nine years. His winemaking expertise has been recognised globally having been named International Winemaker of the Year four times at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London as well as White Winemaker of the Year on four occasions at the International Wine Challenge, which is unprecedented for an Australian producer.
McGuigan’s new role as Technical Advisor will see him consulting with the winemaking team and continuing to forge relationships with customers globally for 10 weeks each year.