White takes over running wine industry body

Experienced wine industry operative      Emily White starts today as the new executive director of the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO). 

ASVO is a non-political member-based organisation founded to serve the interests of practising winemakers and viticulturists by encouraging the exchange of technical information.

White joins ASVO with substantial experience in the wine and agribusiness industries underpinned by a Bachelor of Viticultural Science and further studies in wine marketing.

She has a distinguished track-record in senior marketing and has led global and regional initiatives across agricultural sales, marketing, strategy, and industry engagement roles. 

Her experience includes leading teams across broader agribusiness environments and various Australian wine businesses, encompassing Taltarni/Clover Hill Vineyards, Treasury Wine Estates, and Accolade Wines. 

White will collaborate closely with retiring executive director Chris Waters for the next two months as she readies herself to take over the management of ASVO. 

“We are delighted to have found such a strong candidate to take the ASVO forward," said president Samantha Scarratt. 

"Emily’s strength in marketing and business development will assist the ASVO to grow its membership base and profile and will be an excellent complement to the extensive viticulture and winemaking - and recently added editorial and financial - expertise of the ASVO board of directors. 

"Emily brings a different skillset to the ASVO, which will help lead the organisation into the future.”

White said: "ASVO plays a vital role in bringing together technical leadership and industry - from publishing research that drives practical improvements, to creating opportunities for members to connect and share knowledge across oenology and viticulture.

"I am particularly committed to strengthening partnerships and collaborative platforms that deliver real value to our members, while building meaningful connections across research, industry, and education. 

“My focus will be on increasing membership value and leveraging ASVO’s trusted position to benefit both current and future generations shaping Australia’s wine sector.”