Riverland Wine appoints operations manager

The appointment of Jo Battersby as Operations Manager and a shift in organisational structure has enabled Riverland Wine to begin 2018 with renewed energy and optimism.

Chris Byrne, now the Executive Chair, has been at the helm of Riverland Wine for the past decade, building it into the progressive and respected organisation it is today.

The appointment of Ms Battersby will allow him to focus more on strategic issues and building relationships while she supports the organisation in delivering outcomes against the Strategic Plan.

With extensive senior experience in strategy development, project management, team building and community engagement, Jo has the capability and senior experience to fit the new role.

“This appointment has been made after much deliberation over the skill set needed for effective, implementation of the plan,” Byrne said.

“The timing of this appointment will ensure Riverland Wine members will be best placed to ride the new wave of prosperity as values of grapes, wine and properties all reveal steady improvement.”

“To have discovered this talent right here in the Riverland was an extra bonus. It represents a further strengthening of Riverland Wine and the region.”

Describing the Operations Manager as a ‘pivotal role’ Mr Byrne said Battersby will lead the ongoing development of Australia’s largest wine region, building on the themes of leadership, innovation, unity and pride.

Working closely with the Management Committees, members, delivery groups, government bodies, industry agencies, growers and winemakers, Battersby’s role will encourage cooperation and collaboration for the benefit of the region’s wine industry.

In 2014 Riverland Wine set in motion a five-year Strategic Plan aimed at enabling the region to respond rapidly to market demand and adapt quickly and competitively to the changing preferences of global wine consumers.

The past 12 months has seen substantial positive progress in the right direction as years of hard work and planning come to fruition.

Grapegrowers and winemakers alike have kicked off 2018 in high spirits on the back of further grape and wine price improvements and higher vineyard values.

The long, cool growing season of 2017 has set the scene for another vintage of good grapes that will make exceptional wines for consumers.

Harvest has already commenced with early picks for sparkling bases.

The recent sustained heat spells were anticipated in advance and Root zones have been well prepared and vines have responded well.

Home to many of our best known domestic and global export wine labels, the Riverland is Australia’s largest volume, wine producing region with grape and wine production being the regions major wealth generator.