Australian Grape & Wine chief executive Lee McLean will step down next month after eight years with the national industry body.
McLean took the helm in 2022 following five years as general manager of government relations. He brought more than a decade of background in agricultural policy, trade negotiations, and international relations to the peak industry group.
Leadership transition
The departure concludes McLean’s four-year leadership term as chief executive, during which he represented Australian grape growers and winemakers through complex regulatory and trade shifts across regional export markets.
“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,” McLean said.
Trade and policy tenure
Prior to his appointment as chief executive, McLean directed government relations for five years, shaping industry advocacy on market access and domestic policy. His tenure coincided with major trade adjustments for Australian wine exporters, particularly across key destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.
The organisation will outline its leadership succession plan ahead of McLean’s formal departure date next month.