THE AUSTRALIAN WINE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Drive impact & sustainability through world-class research

Lead a significant research entity with a growing commercial arm supporting Australia's wine industry

Adelaide lifestyle with global connectivity, close to world-renowned wine regions

Based in Adelaide, the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) is the Australian grape and wine industry's own research organisation. For more than 70 years, it has supported the industry through world-class research, practical solutions and knowledge transfer, earning an international reputation for research that has shaped grape growing and winemaking practice.

The long-standing incumbent, Dr Mark Krstic, will step down from the role at the end of 2026, creating an opportunity to lead one of Australia's most respected industry research organisations. Reporting to and working closely with an experienced Board, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will provide strategic leadership to the AWRI and guide its next phase of evolution, ensuring continued research excellence, industry impact, stakeholder engagement and long-term organisational sustainability.

Key areas of responsibility will include:

- developing and executing AWRI's strategic vision and direction, positioning the organisation for future impact and innovation;
- driving organisational performance through business development, revenue diversification, profitable commercial growth (including through AWRI’s commercial laboratory Affinity Labs) and sound financial stewardship;
- identifying and capitalising on emerging opportunities, strategic partnerships and initiatives aligned to AWRI's purpose and future direction;
- inspiring and leading a high-performing, collaborative, inclusive and accountable workforce and culture, building engagement and attracting and retaining leading scientific talent;




- building and sustaining influential relationships across industry, government, funding, customer and research stakeholders, enhancing AWRI's profile and impact; and
- maximising the value, adoption and industry impact of AWRI's research, innovation and technical capability, whilst upholding AWRI’s scientific integrity and independence.

Applications are encouraged from experienced executives with a track record of leadership in complex, research-intensive and stakeholder-rich environments.

Experience in the wine and grape sector or closely related industries is valued, and we also welcome candidates from cognate research, agricultural or commercial sectors. You will bring proven experience in developing strategic direction, driving organisational performance and sustainability, leading high performing teams, building trusted stakeholder relationships, and identifying and realising opportunities for innovation and impact.

Commercial acumen, strong business development capability, and the skilled credibility to lead within highly regarded research environments will be important. Tertiary qualifications in science, technology or a related discipline are expected. Post tertiary qualifications such as a PhD will be highly regarded but are not an essential requirement. This role will suit a leader who wants to see science make a tangible difference to an industry of national and global significance.

Make a confidential enquiry to explore this unique leadership opportunity.

Further information / How to Apply

- Visit awri.com.au for further information on our client.
- Confidential enquiries are welcome to Andrew Reed and Bernie Dyer on (08) 8100 8827.
- Visit henderconsulting.com.au for a job and person specification and to submit your application which should include a cover letter and CV uploaded as one PDF document.

📌 Chief Executive Officer - The Australian Wine Research Institute (Adelaide)
🏢 Hender Consulting
📍 Adelaide