Riverland Wine independent chair steps down

Riverland Wine has announced the resignation of Dr Darren Oemcke as independent chair of its management board.

Dr Darren Oemcke

Riverland Wine thanked Oemcke for his committed leadership and said he “has been a passionate advocate for the region since taking on his role”.

“Dr. Oemcke’s resignation highlights both his and Riverland Wine’s dedication to ensuring long-term, effective member representation and the sustainability of the industry as the Riverland wine sector navigates one of its most difficult economic periods in recent history,” it said.

Riverland Wine said it is currently reviewing the organisation’s objectives and capabilities and has decided not to seek a replacement independent chair.

However, Jim Markeas will become the organisation’s acting chair.

As InDaily previously reported, the Riverland wine industry is currently experiencing a wine glut, causing financial and personal struggles for wine growers in the region.

Guildhouse farewells CEO

Arts not-for-profit Guildhouse has announced that CEO Sarah Feijen will step down from the role to become director of Artlab Australia.

Sarah Feijen

Feijen has led Guildhouse for the past 18 months and will finish up in mid-October.

Feijen previously spent over 22 years at Artlab, where she was a paintings conservator, conservation project manager and assistant director.

Throughout her career, she has also been team leader of arts and culture at the City of Adelaide, group manager of collections at the State Library of South Australia, principal adviser at Arts South Australia and a consultant into the review of Adelaide’s status as a festival city, among other roles.

Guildhouse has appointed current marketing and development manager Merinda Edwards as acting CEO as it looks for a permanent replacement.

Katie Sarah, chair of the Guildhouse board, said Feijen “will be missed, but leaves a legacy of a dedicated team that is passionate about the work they do for the Guildhouse community and well placed to continue that work into the future”.

Guildhouse said it is South Australia’s peak body for visual artists, craftspeople and designers.

Chief Executive Officer for highly regarded purpose-based leadership development entity, Leaders Institute of South Australia. Impact the future leadership capability of SA in this influential role leading a dynamic NFP body through its next exciting growth phase.

Deputy Director of Boarding for independent co-educational day and boarding school, Seymour College. This residential role oversees Boarding School operations and is instrumental in driving programs and policies that promote a strong sense of community and personal growth amongst boarders.

Principal for respected ELC to Year 12 educational entity, St George College based at Mile End, to lead the College’s dynamic vision for teaching and learning into the future.

Chief Technology Officer to oversee ICT for the progressive Adelaide-based medical imaging group, Jones Radiology. The CTO will drive digital innovation and security, execute ICT Strategic Plan and major ICT projects.

Former St Ann’s principal chairs representative body for McLaren Vale

Denise von Wald has announced her appointment as board chair at the McLaren Vale Grape, Wine & Tourism Association, where she has been a director since May 2023.

Denise Von Wald

From July 2019 to December 2023, von Wald was principal and CEO of St Ann’s residential college in North Adelaide.

Von Wald is also interim chair of Future Tourism CRC, a non-executive director at the Adelaide Economic Development Agency, deputy chair and director of the Adelaide Venue Management Corporation and a board member of Festival City ADL.

McLaren Vale Grape, Wine & Tourism Association said it is the peak representative body for the McLaren Vale wine region.

Promotions at Bentleys SA

Bentleys SA has announced the promotion of Joel Totani, Max Kim and Chris Argyriou from senior manager to directors of business services and advice.

Meanwhile, Matthew Brunato has been promoted from senior manager to director of audit, Donju Han from senior manager to director of business advancement and assurance, Adam Radovanovic from manager to senior manager of business services and advice and Binoj Liyanage from supervisor to manager of audit.

The promotions will take effect in January 2024.

Michael Ruggiero, who is chairman of partners at Bentleys SA/NT said that “the promotions are demonstrative of our ongoing commitment to focus on our people and equip them to get our clients to where they want to be”.

Bentleys SA is a professional services and advisory firm owned and operated out of South Australia.

Bute grain producer joins GPSA board

Bute grain producer James Venning has been appointed as a grower director of the Grain Producers SA Board (GPSA).

James Venning

Venning was elected at the recent annual general meeting in Bordertown, which also saw the re-election of John Gladigau, Nick Hillier, Chelly Litster and Dylon Kay to GPSA as grower directors.

Gladigau has also been reappointed as chair, while Peta Willmott will continue as deputy chair.

Venning is a past winner of the Excellence in Technology category at the 2022 Farmer of the Year Awards.

GPSA said Venning is “a forward-thinking and innovative grower” who brings “valuable expertise and leadership”.

“James has demonstrated leadership in adopting new technologies such as soil sensing, variable rate fertiliser application, weather stations and satellite imagery to guide crop decisions,” said GPSA chair John Gladigau.

GPSA said it is the peak industry body representing the 4,500 grain farming businesses in South Australia.

Utahn appointed to LBT Innovations board

Ian Wisenberg has been appointed as a non-executive director on the board of Adelaide-based medical technology company LBT Innovations.

Ian Wisenberg

LBT Innovations said Wisenberg has held C-suite leadership positions with global life science and pharmaceutical companies, as well as an advisor to the industry on growth strategies and M&A.

Wisenberg is a resident of Park City in Utah and is a board member of TRIOVANCE and founder and managing director of BioGlobal Consulting Group, Inc., both of which are based in San Diego.

He is also a business advisor to Adelaide-based biotechnology company BiomeBank.

He was previously CEO and then executive chairman of the Adelaide-based biotechnology research company BioCina.

In addition to Wisenberg’s appointment, Brian O’Dwyer has announced his intention not to stand for re-election at the company’s AGM after three years of service and will focus on his role as CEO of Q2 Solutions & Clinical FSP at IQVIA.

Wisenberg’s appointment will become effective on October 1.