Alcohol Beverages Australia CEO, Andrew Wilsmore, has welcomed the association’s new Executive Committee, elected at its Annual General Meeting, held in Sydney yesterday.

The new team sees Greg Holland, CEO of Spirits & Cocktails Australia become the new ABA Chair and Tony Battaglene, CEO of Australian Grape & Wine named as Deputy Chair. John Preston, CEO of Brewers Association, has been re-elected to the role of Treasurer following his filling of the casual vacancy in 2020.

In addition the CEO of Retail Drinks Australia, Michael Waters, has been added to the Executive in a new role of General Committee Member. The role was created after the ABA revised its constitution to better reflect the organisation’s conduct of business.

As well as welcoming the new team, Wilsmore thanked outgoing Chair, Bryan Fry, who completed two terms, for his contribution over the last four years and his ability to deliver agreement among the membership on highly contentious matters facing the industry.

Fry said: “Our industry is a great industry, we have a lot to be proud of. It has been an enormous privilege to have Chaired the association over a period of four years, and I wish to thank all ABA members who have provided valuable support particularly in developing our 2030 Vision, which for the first time quantified our economic, social and environmental contributions to Australia.”

The ABA also extended sincere appreciation to outgoing Executive Committee member, Giuseppe Minissale from Australian Liquor Marketers who helped establish the first ABA Executive and has previously served as Chair and Deputy Chair, during his six years with the association.

New ABA Chair, Holland said: “Our industry has a bright future, supporting the livelihoods of close to 500,000 Australians, and driving $52bn in economic activity.

“Our award-winning products enhance life’s special moments and bring people together. As a pan-industry body, we acknowledge that Australians are drinking more responsibly than ever and should be rewarded by the trust of Government to allow this positive trend to continue.

“I take my responsibility as Chair of the ABA seriously, particularly as the alcohol industry assists the tourism and hospitality sectors’ recovery from COVID. I look forward to collaborating across all parts of our supply chain to advance our industry’s interests.”

Andy Young

Andy joined Intermedia as Editor of The Shout in 2015, writing news on a daily basis and also writing features for National Liquor News. Now Managing Editor of both The Shout and Bars and Clubs.

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