Leadership changes at Wine Communicators of Australia

Leadership changes at Wine Communicators of Australia
Lynda Schenk and Angus Barnes. Images courtesy Wine Communicators of Australia

After over a decade with Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA), executive chair Angus Barnes has announced his resignation, effective Wednesday 12 February 2025. Barnes will move into the role of general manager at Bunnamagoo Wines, based in Mudgee, NSW.

Lynda Schenk will move from her current role as co-deputy chair to the position of national chair, with Andrew Shedden to fill the role of co-deputy chair.

Reflecting on his time with WCA, Barnes said he was “immensely proud” of what the board had achieved.

“The current national board is the strongest I have seen in my years with WCA, and I feel confident in the organisation’s future,” said Barnes. “While stepping down is bittersweet, I look forward to supporting WCA as an engaged member, attending events and following its continued success.”

Lynda Schenk, of marketing consultancy Purple Giraffe, has been involved in the Australian wine industry for over 25 years, and with WCA for over eight years. She served as executive officer from 2016-2020 and has been co-deputy chair of the board since 2020.

“Angus has been a cornerstone of WCA’s growth and success for over a decade,” said Schenk. “His leadership, strategic vision, and deep passion for the Australian wine industry have shaped the organisation into what it is today.”

“On behalf of the board and members, I want to sincerely thank Angus for his extraordinary dedication and commitment. While he will be deeply missed (both personally and professionally), we are excited for him and know he will continue to make a significant impact in the Australian wine industry.”

Barnes joined the WCA board in 2012, and has held various leadership positions, including serving as national chair from 2015 to 2019. After stepping down briefly in late 2022, Barnes returned as executive chair in July 2023, managing the responsibilities of executive officer and national chair. In recognition of his contributions, Barnes was awarded a lifetime membership of the WCA in 2023.

WCA commented that Andrew Shedden was an “invaluable addition” to the leadership team, with extensive experience in the industry and in his role as general manager of premium and luxury at Endeavour Group.

WCA also recently appointed Alex Gibbs, marketing and growth expert of Smile Marketing as its inaugural partnerships consultant. Gibbs has been involved with WCA as a non-executive director since 2014, and co-deputy chair since 2020, and has previously served as treasurer and company secretary.

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