The Wine Grape Council of South Australia (WCGSA) has announced Rachel Triggs as its new independent chair, marking a significant leadership change in the region’s wine sector. Triggs, who brings a wealth of experience from her roles as chair of Australian Women in Wine and a committee member for Australian Grape and Wine, is expected to drive the Council’s commitment to credible, grower-focused representation.
“This is an excellent appointment for South Australian grape growers, and one that will strengthen the Council’s ability to deliver practical, grower-focused outcomes,” said outgoing interim chair Lachlan Allen.
Strategic Appointments in Adelaide’s Corporate Landscape
Meanwhile, the science, technology, and engineering company KBR has bolstered its Adelaide office with two strategic hires. Ben Champion joins as the new roads and highways discipline manager, bringing over 25 years of experience in the transport sector. His tenure at the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) and engineering consultancy Jacobs positions him to enhance KBR’s transport capabilities in South Australia.
Joanna Davies, with 19 years as a chartered engineer, joins KBR as its principal roads engineer. Her expertise in road design and safety, honed during her time at DIT, will be instrumental in shaping SA’s Road Safety Strategy 2020.
Broadcast and Legal Sectors See New Leadership
Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) has confirmed Matthew O’Reilly as head of broadcast content following a successful interim period. O’Reilly, who has over 15 years of experience at SCA, will lead content teams across the Hit and Triple M Networks, leveraging his strategic skills in media and communication.
In the legal domain, Australian Naval Infrastructure (ANI) is expanding its team to support its growing business complexity. The new legal counsel role, based in Adelaide, offers a unique opportunity for senior associates or in-house counsels seeking broader exposure.
Leadership Changes in Public and Private Sectors
Lisa Gilmartin has been appointed as the new financial manager for the City of Tea Tree Gully. With over 11 years of experience in senior financial roles, Gilmartin’s expertise in finance and asset management is expected to enhance the city’s fiscal strategies.
In the housing sector, Rivergum has named Michael Buchan as its new CEO. Buchan’s extensive experience in housing construction and land development, including leadership roles at SA Housing Trust and Renewal SA, will drive Rivergum’s growth strategy.
“We are pleased to have secured an experienced and strategic leader in Michael as we expand our focus on commercial relationship building,” said Rivergum founder Victor Said.
New Leadership in Healthcare and Community Initiatives
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has appointed Christine Cook as the new SA branch director. Cook’s 15 years of experience in workforce development and governance will be pivotal in supporting community pharmacies across South Australia.
Additionally, three new ambassadors have been named for St Vincent De Paul’s CEO Sleepout, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about homelessness. The event, scheduled for June 18 at Adelaide Zoo, will feature leaders from various sectors advocating for the cause.
Financial and Academic Leadership Appointments
SkyCity Entertainment Group has appointed Blair Woodbury as its new chief financial officer. Woodbury’s experience in large-scale restructurings and asset optimization at companies like Sky Network Television and New Zealand Post is expected to strengthen SkyCity’s financial strategies.
In academia, St Mark’s College in Adelaide has announced a new business director to oversee its corporate services, ensuring effective delivery of operations in finance, ICT, HR, and administration.
These appointments across diverse sectors highlight a strategic shift in South Australia’s leadership landscape, reflecting a broader trend of aligning experienced professionals with roles that demand both strategic vision and operational expertise.
