Wine Australia and Australian Grape & Wine have selected the 2025 crop of the Future Leaders program, helping to develop the next generation of change-makers in Australia’s grape and wine sector.
Offered every two years and designed for high-performing mid-career professionals with the ambition and capability to drive progress at a personal, business and sector level, the Future Leaders program is open to applicants in roles across the wine sector’s value-chain. Funded and coordinated by Wine Australia, and supported by Australian Grape & Wine, it aims to identify and empower individuals who are invested in the future of the sector, equipping them with the skills, networks and insights to lead with impact.
Wine Australia CEO, Dr Martin Cole, said recent years in particular have seen unprecedented challenges across the sector, including market volatility, declining global consumption, and the imperative for innovation and sustainability.
“Future Leaders plays a vital role in developing individuals with the strong and adaptable leadership response required to navigate this complexity, demonstrating clear alignment with the One Grape and Wine Sector’s strategic objectives,” said Cole.
Representing roles across the wine sector’s value-chain, the 15 Future Leaders 2025 were selected from an outstanding field of 86 applicants, who were able to apply from February.
Australian Grape & Wine CEO, Lee McLean, said the Future Leaders program played a critical role in ensuring the long-term prosperity of Australia’s grape and wine sector.
“These emerging leaders bring the fresh thinking, resilience and strategic foresight our industry needs to navigate change and seize new opportunities. We’re proud to support a program that’s equipping the next generation to help shape a stronger, more sustainable future for Australian wine,” said McLean.
The selection panel – which comprised Cole, McLean, and seven Future Leaders alumni – was delighted with the quality of applicants and their spread across business size, roles and the value chain.
Delivered by leadership program provider Pragmatic Thinking, Future Leaders blends personal and professional growth with an immersive learning experience featuring engaged facilitators and speakers, along with coaching from industry experts and program alumni.
Wine Australia senior R&D program manager and Future Leaders coordinator, Jo Hargreaves, said the program’s success is evidenced by consistent high demand, overwhelmingly positive alumni testimonials, an enduring and valuable network spanning regions and roles across the wine sector value chain, along with the progression of graduates into key leadership roles across the industry.
“We look forward to supporting the individuals through this phenomenal opportunity and following their progress and impact into the future”, said Hargreaves.
Wine Australia also recently announced the expansion of its Next Crop program, a regionally targeted platform to introduce leadership, business and management skills within the sector, and acts as a stepping stone to the Future Leaders program for budding participants.
