Dr Mark Krstic, managing director of the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI), will be stepping down from his position at the end of 2026, following seven years of leadership and a total of 15 years of service to the Institute.
The AWRI Board acknowledges Krstic's significant contribution to the organisation, its people and the wider industry, and thanks him for his dedicated leadership and his commitment to stakeholders, partners and the sector.
Since becoming managing director in December 2019, Krstic has led the AWRI through a period of considerable challenges and change, maintaining focus on practical, industry-relevant science and support.
Krstic has been a strong advocate for innovation and applied science, with a consistent focus on ensuring research outcomes translate into real-world benefits for the sector. His contribution was recognised in 2020, when he was named ASVO Viticulturist of the Year.
As managing director, Krstic successfully launched Affinity Labs, AWRI's fee-for-service commercial testing lab, and established a CRC-P focused on No and Low (NOLO) alcohol wine production.
He led efforts to secure the AWRI's core strategic partnership with Wine Australia and Adelaide University, oversaw the successful delivery of the 2022 and 2025 Australian Wine Industry Technical Conferences, and has strengthened important ties with international scientific and commercial wine testing laboratories, keeping Australian wine science at the forefront of global conversations.
Krstic has also played a longstanding role in smoke taint research and emergency response since 2006. He was central to the AWRI's response through major bushfire events in 2013, 2019 and 2020, helping growers and producers navigate particularly challenging conditions.
“I have loved leading such a talented team of dedicated and passionate professionals who are deeply committed to advancing Australian wine through trusted, world-class science and practical industry solutions,” said Krstic.
“The AWRI is in a strong position, with an exceptional team, deep industry relationships and a clear purpose. I leave the organisation with enormous pride in what has been achieved and with every confidence that the organisation will continue to play a vital role in supporting the future of the Australian grape and wine sector.”
The Board will start a search for the AWRI's next managing director and will work closely with Krstic and the AWRI executive team to enable a smooth leadership transition.
“Mark has led the AWRI with great distinction, steering the organisation through a period of unprecedented challenge and change. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank him for his leadership, his steadfast commitment, and his tireless advocacy for the sector throughout his time at the AWRI,” Professor Kiaran Kirk, chair of the AWRI Board, concluded.
