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Our CEO and executive management team

Dr Martin Cole – Chief Executive Officer
Dr Martin Cole – Chief Executive Officer

Dr Martin Cole joined Wine Australia on 15 November 2021, having worked as Head of School, Agriculture, Food and Wine at the University of Adelaide.

He is internationally regarded for his work as a food scientist, with expertise in food safety, food trends and innovation, processing and nutrition, and the translation of science into community and commercial outcomes.

Along with his wine sector experience, Dr Cole brings more than 25 years’ experience in research management across government, academia and industry – including the broader agricultural sectors.

Described as an “influential, inspirational and visionary leader”, Dr Cole has held leadership positions with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industry Research Organisation (CSIRO), overseas and in larger commercial companies.

His collaborative, multidisciplinary approach and extensive experience in stakeholder engagement will be of great benefit to the Australian grape and wine sector.

Steven Weinert – General Manager, Corporate Services
Steven Weinert – General Manager, Corporate Services

As Wine Australia's General Manager, Corporate Services, Steven has responsibility for all corporate services, financial, information technology and human resource functions as well as performing company secretarial duties. Prior to joining Wine Australia, Steven worked in senior finance and operational roles for a diverse range of corporate entities, ranging from the Port Adelaide Football Club to the Jeffries Group, and over 10 years in a number of different roles with Pernod Ricard.

Steven is a Masters qualified Fellow of CPA Australia and a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Rachel Triggs – General Manager, ESG and Market Access
Rachel Triggs – General Manager, ESG and Market Access
Having previously held several roles with Wine Australia, including General Counsel, Rachel is responsible for Wine Australia's strategy development, including the development and execution of an ESG and sustainability strategy for the Australian grape and wine sector. Rachel also manages Wine Australia’s legal, regulatory and market access functions, including the administration of the export controls and the Label Integrity Program. She is a delegate to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) and the World Wine Trade Group, a Member of the Presidential Council of FIVS, and the President of the Australasian Wine Law Association.

Prior to joining Wine Australia, Rachel worked as a corporate lawyer specialising in wine law. Rachel has a Bachelor of Science (Jurisprudence) majoring in genetics and biochemistry, a Masters in Oenology and a Bachelor of Law (University of Adelaide), a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, and a Diploma of European Wine Law (University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne).

Before completing her Law degree, Rachel worked as a winemaker – predominantly in the Adelaide Hills, but also in the Clare Valley, Hunter Valley, Oregon and Tuscany.

Dr Liz Waters – General Manager, Research Development and Adoption
Dr Liz Waters – General Manager, Research Development and Adoption

Liz has responsibility for Wine Australia's research, development and adoption programs, working in collaboration with diverse research providers to deliver short- and long-term value for the Australian grape and wine community and to help the sector achieve sustained prosperity.

Liz was previously Senior RD&E Program Manager at the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC), one of Wine Australia's two predecessor organisations. Prior to joining GWRDC in 2011, Liz held senior research positions at The Australian Wine Research Institute and the Cooperative Research Centre for Viticulture and is internationally recognised as a leader in grape and wine research.

Liz has a PhD in Wine Science from the University of Adelaide and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Paul Turale – General Manager, Marketing
Paul Turale – General Manager, Marketing

As Wine Australia’s General Manager, Marketing, Paul has responsibility for Wine Australia's marketing activities domestically and internationally and for the strategic leadership of Wine Australia’s marketing team, working closely with the entire Australian grape and wine sector to drive market development, open new markets and increase the demand and premium paid for all Australian wine.

Paul brings over two decades of experience in the wine sector to his role with Wine Australia, having held senior leadership positions spanning general management, marketing and commercial functions. His knowledge gained from lengthy stints at Pernod Ricard (Orlando Wines), Peter Lehmann Wines and Casella Family Brands where he had significant exposure to both the Australian and key export markets.

Lucy Wood – Customer Engagement Manager
Lucy Wood – Customer Engagement Manager

As Wine Australia’s Customer Engagement Manager, Lucy plays a key role in facilitating Wine Australia’s engagement with the Australian grape and wine sector, including levy payers, state and regional associations, representative bodies and state and federal governments.

Prior to joining Wine Australia, Lucy worked in senior communications, stakeholder engagement and policy roles across politics, government and academia.

Louise Mickan – People and Culture Manager
Louise Mickan – People and Culture Manager

As Wine Australia’s HR Manager, Louise has responsibility of all aspects of people and culture, creating a diverse and inclusive environment where people have autonomy, mastery and purpose, while being supported and having fun.

Louise has a Master of Science in Human Resource Management Bachelor of Science in Biology with Psychology and is certified organisational coach. Louise has over 20 years global HR experience working in environmental consultancy, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, travel and life assurance. She is passionate about unlocking individual and organisational potential.


This content is restricted to wine exporters and levy-payers. Some reports are available for purchase to non-levy payers/exporters.

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This content is restricted to wine exporters and levy-payers. Some reports are available for purchase to non-levy payers/exporters.