Australian Grape & Wine CEO Lee McLean has announced that he will leave the organisation at the end of September.

McLean’s resignation comes after eight years with Australian Grape & Wine, including four years as CEO.

“Serving Australia’s grape growers and winemakers has been a great privilege” said McLean. “I’ve given this role everything I have, and I know it’s the right time to step away and allow space for fresh thinking and leadership.”

Australian Grape & Wine’s Chair Helen Strachan said: “Lee has led AGW during the most tumultuous period Australia’s wine industry has faced in generations.

“I thank him for his service to our industry and wish him well for the future. Lee has been a steady, trusted and respected leader. He has invested in relationships across our industry, strengthened industry cohesion and built constructive partnerships with government.

“His advocacy has ensured AGW remains a credible and influential voice through unprecedented challenges and his work has delivered meaningful outcomes for the people and communities who make up our industry.”

The Board will now work to settle on interim arrangements, with the process of appointing a new CEO to commence in the coming days. 

McLean said: “I am eternally grateful for the support of my wonderful team, past and present, who have worked so hard for the industry during my time as CEO.

“I would also like to thank the AGW board, our committees and the Chairs I have served during my time at the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia, and then AGW”.

“But most of all, I want to thank Australian Grape & Wine’s members, and all the people I’ve been able to work with and learn from.

“While I know conditions are very difficult for many in our industry, the reality is we are today making wines that are better than they have ever been.

“I look forward to championing Australian wine at every opportunity in the future.”

Tributes have flowed for McLean on LinkedIn.

Taylors Wines Chairman Mitchell Taylor said: “Thank you for your wonderful contribution to our industry and the wider wine community. Taking on the challenges and opportunities for our sector and respecting the diversity across many stakeholders.”

Wine Victoria CEO Stephanie Duboudin said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with you Lee thanks for all your dedication and hard work. The protection of Prosecco has been an enormous impact for Victorian wine.”

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Director, Wine Policy Sean Macintyre said: “You will be missed Lee McLean. I’ve been fortunate to see first hand the quality of your advocacy. Good luck with whatever comes next.”