Wine Australia appoints its new UK/Ire/EU Director

Hot off the press, Wine Australia has today announced the appointment of its new UK/Ire/EU Director, Yvonne May, whom many of my fellow writers will know for her super assured PR activities at  Lindsay May.     Here’s the press release:

“Wine Australia has appointed experienced wine industry professional Yvonne May as its new Regional Director, UK/Ire/EU, following a widespread selection process.

Announcing the appointment, Wine Australia CEO Andrew Cheesman, said Ms May would bring “extensive skills and energy” to the role, and will commence in early January, 2011.

“This was an exhaustive search and we are extremely pleased to announce Yvonne as the successful candidate,” he said.

“Yvonne’s vast experience in the wine sector, particularly in the area of communication, marketing and PR, along with her impressive knowledge of the wine sector in the UK, was a key factor in the decision-making process. “Yvonne has more than 25 years’ experience working within the wine industry, which includes owning and running a wine media communications company for the past 12 years.”

Mr Cheesman said Yvonne had worked in all sectors of the wine industry, including luxury, high-end brands and was also the UK/European Marketing Managing for Rosemount for six years. “Yvonne has enormous respect from within the wine trade and wine media in the UK and has real passion for Australia and Australian wine,” he said.

“Her wine industry experienced includes wine education, on-trade and retail sales, communications and marketing. “Yvonne will be a huge asset to our UK team and will offer commitment and leadership in this vital market.”

Yvonne said Australia produced some of the finest and best wines in the world, with which it would be “a pleasure to work”. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with the many different players involved in the category across UK-Europe to spear-head a communication drive that would help build a “sense of colour and excitement that Australian wines offer”.

Yvonne will join the Wine Australia UK team, along with Andrew Cheesman for the A+Tasting in January, when Wine Australia launches its new brand to the Australian Wine UK market.”