The New South Wales Wine Industry Association (NSW Wine) Board has announced Matthew Jessop as the new Executive Officer (EO).
Jessop has replaced the outgoing Angus Barnes and commenced the role on 1 November.
Barnes joined NSW Wine in 2012, and took up the role of EO in 2017. In a statement, NSW Wine President, Mark Bourne, thanked Barnes for “his dedication, commitment and service to the association and the NSW wine industry over many years” and wished him “all success in his future endeavours.”
Jessop joins the board following a two month recruitment process by NSW Wine, which revealed ‘a substantial and very high-quality field of applicants,’ according to the organisation.
The new EO is himself the co-owner of a small family wine business based in Mudgee, Jessop Wines, and has previous experience in international trade, business and industry development.
Jessop expressed his delight at the appointment.
“I’m very excited to join the NSWWIA,” Jessop said.
“After what has been a challenging few years for many in the industry, I’m really looking forward to building on work by the NSWWIA, and along with NSW’s growers and producers seeing how we can increase the profile of our regions internationally even more, encourage more people into the industry and improve access to R&D opportunities.
“How I can continue to support a more sustainable and competitive industry is the exciting challenge moving forward,” he commented.
Jessop has also worked within the NSW Government, including working with the Department of Trade and Investment, the Treasury and the Department of Industry. Additionally, Jessop is described as having ‘successes in managing multinational trade and investment teams in Asia and the Middle East.’ Jessop’s most recent role was as Associate Director of Tech Central.
Bourne commented on Jessop’s appointment, saying: “We are looking forward to Matthew taking on the role.”
“We are confident that Matthew’s passion for the wine industry and his demonstrated past achievements, commitment, and vision will continue to take the NSW wine industry forward,” the President concluded.