From The Reject Shop to one of Australia’s oldest family-owned wineries, Ross Sudano has been appointed CEO of Tahbilk Group. Sudano replaces Alister Purbrick, who retires in June.
Tahbilk has been owned and operated by the Purbrick family since 1925. Alistair was the fourth generation CEO and chief winemaker.
“After 43 years running my family businesses, Tahbilk and the Tahbilk Group, it’s time for me to pass the baton on. After an exhaustive recruitment process, overseen by a family and independent member panel, we welcome Ross and are certain that his extensive and proven business acumen and leadership skills will build on the successes achieved over 162 years of operation,” Purbrick said.
Sudarno comes from leading the publicly listed national retail business The Reject Shop, where he led a strategic realignment across his five-year tenure.
He has held leadership roles across a range of industries in the consumer market including Little Creatures Brewing and the launch of Anaconda Adventure Stores and competing in mature markets with BP Australia and Foodland.
Purbrick said, “Ross will report to our family board, ensuring the Purbrick family vision, mission, and values underpin our Group culture, while driving a new and exciting chapter for our family business. We wish him every success.”
Sudarno will be based at Tahbilk’s corporate office in Melbourne with regular time spent overseeing operations in the Nagambie Lakes region of Victoria.
