Wine Australia has announced the new cohort for its 2025 Future Leaders program, revealing the next generation of leadership innovators and changemakers in the Australian wine sector.
Future Leaders is the Australian wine industry’s peak leadership development program and is designed for high-performing mid-career professionals with the ambition and capability to drive progress at a personal, business and sector level.
The program is offered every two years and delivers significant personal and professional transformation for participants, equipping them with the skills, networks and insights to lead the future of the sector.
Wine Australia Chief Executive Officer, Dr Martin Cole, says: “Recent years in particular have seen unprecedented challenges across the sector, including market volatility, declining global consumption, and the imperative for innovation and sustainability.
“Future Leaders plays a vital role in developing individuals with the strong and adaptable leadership response required to navigate this complexity, demonstrating clear alignment with the One Grape and Wine Sector’s strategic objectives.”
For 2025, the 15 Future Leaders were selected from a field of 86 applicants by a panel that comprised Lee McLean, Chief Executive Officer of Australian Grape & Wine, and seven Future Leaders alumni.
McLean says the Future Leaders program plays a critical role in ensuring the long-term prosperity of Australia’s grape and wine sector.
“These emerging leaders bring the fresh thinking, resilience and strategic foresight our industry needs to navigate change and seize new opportunities. We’re proud to support a program that’s equipping the next generation to help shape a stronger, more sustainable future for Australian wine,” he stated.
The Future Leaders for 2025 are:
- Lachlan Aird – Direct-To-Consumer and eCommerce Manager, Shaw + Smith, Adelaide
- Nick Baverstock – Vineyard Manager, Treasury Wine Estates, Coonawarra
- Emma Brown – Head of Innovation, Brown Family Wine Group, Milawa
- Matt Duggan – Viticulturist, Domaine Chandon Australia, Yarra Valley
- Nick Dugmore – Owner, Stoke Wines, Willunga
- Marianne Duluk – Manager – Food and Wine Exports, SA Department of State Development, Adelaide
- Brendan Hawker – Senior Winemaker, Yering Station, Yarra Valley
- Callie Jemmeson – Winemaker, PachaMama/Joval Family Wines, Melbourne
- Madeleine Marson – Winemaker, Vinea Marson, Heathcote
- Chris Mein – Vineyard Manager, Longview Vineyard, Macclesfield
- Daniel Mortimer – General Manager, Mortimers Wines, Orange
- Nicola Reid – Executive Officer, Sommeliers Australia, Geelong
- Andrea Roberts-Davison – Lecturer, Melbourne Polytechnic, Wandin North
- Ashleigh Seymour – Head Winemaker, Paxton Wines, McLaren Vale
- Tash Stoodley – Digital Marketing Strategist, Savvy, Adelaide
Brown says: “Being accepted into the 2025 Future Leaders program is a huge honour and an opportunity to really step up and champion our industry with other passionate leaders to look outside of the box in how we drive a successful future.
“We are so lucky to be part of such an incredible industry and now, in such a time of change, is our opportunity to ensure we’re advocating and shaping the industry to ensure its sustainability for the generations to come.”
Speaking about her participation in the Future Leaders program, Jemmeson says she looks forward to stepping out of the day-to-day and into big-picture conversations.
“I’m genuinely excited (and a little humbled) to be part of Future Leaders. It’s a chance to learn, to challenge myself and to connect with others who care deeply about where this industry is going — and want to be part of shaping what’s next. I’m hoping to stretch my thinking, see things from new angles and walk away with a few fresh ideas,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Duggan recognises that to make a significant contribution to the Australian wine industry, leadership skills are paramount.
“I see leadership as something you’ve got to actively work on, not just something that comes with the job. I hope that Future Leaders will enable me to become a strong voice for change and help push the industry forward.
“I look forward to the networking opportunities this program offers. I am confident that I will connect with inspiring individuals and forge lasting relationships,” Duggan stated.
The Future Leaders program is funded and cooperated by Wine Australia with support from Australian Grape & Wine, and delivered by Pragmatic Thinking.
Jo Hargreaves, Senior Program Manager and Future Leaders Coordinator, says she looks forward to supporting participants through this opportunity and following their progress and impact into the future.
“Its success is evidenced by consistent high demand, overwhelmingly positive alumni testimonials, an enduring and valuable network spanning regions and roles across the wine sector value chain, along with the progression of graduates into key leadership roles across the industry,” said Hargreaves.