Spirits & Cocktails Australia has announced it is seeking a new CEO.
The Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia (DSICA) – an association that promotes and protects the spirits sector – rebranded as Spirits & Cocktails Australia in October 2018. It also welcomed Pernod Ricard Australia as a member last year, with the association now representing 75% of the Australian spirits sector and being seen as the leading voice and advocate for the industry.
“Over the past three years, Spirits & Cocktails Australia CEO Alec Wagstaff has successfully completed the organisation’s transition from DSICA to Spirits & Cocktails Australia, bedded down a core tax reform strategy and led the creation of enhanced campaign capability,” said Spirits & Cocktails Australia Chair David Smith.
Wagstaff joined Spirits & Cocktails Australia in September 2016, bringing public policy and communications experience in the FMCG and telecommunications industries. He is also a Director of Palliative Care Australia.
“With the organisation now well established, Alec and the Executive have agreed that it is an appropriate time to transition leadership of Spirits & Cocktails Australia,” Smith added.
“As a result, Alec will be stepping down effective November 15, 2019, with Greg Holland of Speyside Consulting taking over in an interim capacity while Alec’s successor is recruited.
“Spirits & Cocktails Australia congratulates Alec for the great platform he has developed over the last three years, including repositioning our brand, creating strong relationships with a broad range of stakeholders and building a more efficient and campaign-capable organisation in line with our objectives.”
“We wish Alec and his family all the best for the future.”
