Family-owned and operated company, Taylors Wines, is making a key leadership transition as part of its long-term succession plan – with managing director, Mitchell Taylor, stepping into the role of chairman of the board, and new CEO, John Freeman, commencing 21 July.
After 25 years in the managing director position, Taylor said he was proud of the company’s progress over the period, particularly in premiumisation through the company’s St Andrews and Jaraman ranges, as well as its pinnacle wines, The Visionary, The Pioneer, and The Legacy.
“It has been our ambition to elevate the quality of Taylors Wines with our skilled viticulture and winemaking teams, resulting in major awards globally and making us the third largest and number one family brand by value in the Australian wine market,” said Taylor.
“It has been a privilege and honour to lead our family business through great change and growth over many years. I will shift my focus and energy to family business ownership, overall strategy, vision and succession planning for Taylors, while mentoring the next generation of leaders within the business.”
“I want to thank the board for its guidance and support over the past years, and I look forward to working with John and the executive team to accelerate our growth while staying true to the family values this business has been built on,” he said.
The company stated the transition was in-line with its long-term strategy, with Freeman stepping into the CEO role to drive Taylors Wines’ next stage of development. He previously spent 16 years with Delegat Group in New Zealand and Australia, and will bring experience in wine industry leadership and working in family-owned wine businesses to Taylors.
“There is enormous potential to build on this legacy, expand our market presence, and accelerate our growth agenda,” said Freeman.
“I look forward to working closely with Mitchell, the Taylor family, the board, and the entire team to continue delivering exceptional wines to consumers around the world”.
Taylors has been making wine in South Australia since 1969, and has become known for innovation in the industry, particularly in packaging, with the introduction of augmented reality labels, touch-activated sensors and temperature guides, and the launch of an eco-bottle made from Australian-sourced 100 per cent recycled PET plastic. Earlier this year, Food & Drink Business spoke with general manager of operations and fourth-generation family member, Clinton Taylor, about the company’s recent achievements.
