Hunt begins for new Australian wine research boss
Research & Development
The Australian Wine Research Institute is embarking on a global search for a new leader following the resignation of its Managing Director Dan Johnson.
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Based in the South Australian capital Adelaide, the AWRI is a key player in international wine research. Dr Johnson joined the institute in 2006 and became its youngest ever leader when he was named Managing Director at the age of 33 in 2011.
He is leaving to take up a new appointment as Pro Vice Chancellor Research Innovation at Macquarie University in February.
The move was announced today by the AWRI’s Chair Louisa Rose, who acknowledged the exciting opportunity Dr Johnson had been offered.
“The AWRI Board is grateful for Dan’s leadership and his dedication to the Australian wine industry. Dan leaves the AWRI in a very strong position and it will continue to deliver positive outcomes for grape and wine producers.”
Dr Johnson will maintain his association with the Australian wine industry and the wider scientific community in his new role as a leader in innovation and research in Sydney.
Under his leadership, the AWRI has continued to build its national and international reputation for excellence in grape and wine research and innovation.
“It’s been one of the great honours of my life to have led the AWRI, working closely with the Australian wine industry” said Dr Johnson.
“I’m so proud of what has been achieved for Australian grape and wine producers. The AWRI is ideally placed to undertake a leadership transition, and I wish it every success for the future.”
The AWRI is located at the Waite Research Precinct, 7km southeast of the centre of Adelaide.
The campus has the largest concentration of research expertise in the Southern Hemisphere in plant, food and agricultural sciences and hosts nationally significant research organisations including CSIRO, Australian Grain Technologies and the Australian Plant Phenomics Facility.
The AWRI Board will conduct a global search for a new Managing Director with applications closing on October 25.
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