Newly elected Chairman, John Whelan, is a commercial lawyer with forty years’ experience in public practice and the wine industry, including as Company Secretary and Australasian Group Counsel for Constellation Australia Ltd (previously BRL Hardy Ltd).  He is also an experienced company Director, having previously been Director and Company Secretary of subsidiaries of Constellation Brands, Inc and is currently Chairman of Community Corporation 20102 Inc, a vintner and vigneron.

Industry veteran Martin Baily was founder and Managing Director of Vintage Cellars (subsequently sold to Coles Myer Group) and Baily & Baily Liquor Stores (subsequently sold to Woolworths).  He is currently a director of Sevenhill Wines, Oddbins Wine Auctions and an Advisory Board Member for Rosenthal Motor Group.  He has previously been Chairman of Nepenthe Winery, a Director of Cumulus Wines and Vice President of the National Liquor Stores Association.

Prominent chartered accountant, Brian Lilley was Managing Partner of Price Waterhouse Coopers, Adelaide where his clients included BRL Hardy Limited, Banksia Wines and Rymill Wines.  He is currently Chairman of Agostino Group and Deputy Chairman of A Noble & Son Ltd and Southern Cross Care Inc.

Barossa shareholders are also represented on the Board by continuing Directors, Allen Rohrlach and Deputy Chairman Andrew Kleinig.

Mr Kleinig commented “We are delighted to have attracted new directors with such significant and diverse experience in the wine industry and corporate leadership.  This is important as we embark on our next phase of developing strategies to build on our premium wine business”.

Chief Executive, Christine Hahn said “I am looking forward to working with a Board that will provide valuable guidance as we enter an exciting growth phase and capitalise on opportunities”.

Mr Whelan said that Barossa Valley Estate is an established brand and company in the BarossaValley with a great history.  “I look forward to leading a company with such a promising future.  There is much to be done, but we have already made good progress in appointing new importers and distributors in our key markets”, he said.

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About BarossaValley Estate

Barossa Valley Estate was established in 1984. It became a public company in 1999, 50% owned by the original founding grape growers and 50% owned by Constellation Australia Ltd. The founding grape growers now own 100% of the company following repurchase of the shares held by Constellation Australia Ltd on 31 March 2011.

Barossa Valley Estate’s premium wine portfolio includes the award winning E & E Black Pepper Shiraz and Ebenezer Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. To learn more about Barossa Valley Estate, visit the company’s website at http://www.bve.com.au/.