Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA) has announced the appointment of Ruth Harris as its new Executive Officer following a rigorous and competitive recruitment process.
With over 25 years of experience in the wine industry, Harris brings a wealth of expertise to the role. She currently serves as the Public Relations Partner at the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) and Public Relations Manager for the Adelaide Hills Wine Region. Her career also includes extensive roles in public relations and marketing for Pernod Ricard’s Australian wine portfolio, notably spending four and a half years as Brand PR Manager for Australian Wines and three and a half years as Global Wine Public Relations Manager.
Reflecting on her appointment, Harris expressed her enthusiasm for the new role. “I am honoured to step into the role of Executive Officer at such a vital time for the Australian wine community,” she said. “WCA plays an incredibly important role in bringing people together to communicate, learn and grow. I am excited by the opportunity to work with the progressive Board, engaged members, supportive partners, and the broader industry to continue building a strong, vibrant and connected network.”
Lynda Schenk, WCA’s National Chair, praised Harris’s qualifications, highlighting the significance of her leadership amid the challenges facing Australia’s grape growers and wine producers. “We are delighted to welcome Ruth Harris to help lead the charge for WCA,” Schenk said. “Her breadth of experience, collaborative leadership style, and deep understanding of stakeholder engagement will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen WCA’s impact across the industry.”
The Australian wine sector is currently grappling with market pressures, oversupply challenges, and shifting global trade dynamics. According to Schenk, these challenging times underscore the importance of organizations like WCA, which provide a vital platform for connection, professional development, and shared knowledge.
Harris joins a dedicated WCA team, which includes Events, Marketing & Membership Manager Alex Burgener. She will work closely with the National Board to ensure that WCA remains responsive to the evolving needs of its members and the broader wine industry.
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