The Chief Executive of the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) Brian Smedley has submitted his resignation as he transitions towards retirement in mid-2023.
The SAWIA Board has said it will commence recruitment for a replacement soon and hopes to appoint a new Chief Executive within three months, to ensure a handover period with Smedley.
SAWIA President Kirsty Balnaves said: “Brian Smedley will leave an unprecedented legacy with the association and the wine industry and has the respect of the SAWIA Board, SAWIA members and wine industry bodies from all sectors – regional, state and federal.”
Having commenced employment with the association in 1996, Smedley was appoint Chief Executive in 2008 and has delivered strong association governance and overseen solid financial performance and membership growth.
Over the past 15 years Smedley has been an advocate for the South Australia’s wine industry, engaging with government representatives and stakeholders on many issues impacting wine.
“I have very much enjoyed this chapter of my working life with SAWIA. It has been challenging and demanding, but overall, it has been most rewarding to represent the wine industry and to actively promote our state’s unique offerings and provide valuable services to members,” Brian Smedley said.
“I am proud of what SAWIA has achieved and honoured to have worked with the SAWIA Executive Committee, members and a very dedicated group of staff.”