Victoria’s oldest family-owned winery Tahbilk Group, owned and operated by the Purbrick family since 1925, has appointed a new Group Chief Executive Officer in order to replace the incumbent, fourth generation Purbrick, Alister, when he retires in June 2022.
Ross Sudano has a proven track record of corporate success, having held CEO positions across a range of industries, identifying and implementing strategic growth opportunities.
Ross Sudano appointed as CEO of Tahbilk Group
He is a leader in the consumer space with experience in disrupting existing markets through Little Creatures Brewing and the launch of Anaconda Adventure Stores and competing in mature markets with BP Australia, Foodland Associated Limited and The Reject Shop.
Ross was CEO and MD of The Reject Shop Limited, a publicly listed national retail business. He oversaw a strategic realignment, and successes included reducing the cost of doing business over his five-year tenure, generating $24 million per annum in savings alone.
He employs a strong and inclusive approach to leadership and starts with the TG today.
The current fourth generation Chief Executive Officer and Chief Winemaker Alister Purbrick, is a well known and respected personality on the Australian wine landscape.
He served on a number of industry boards and committees over the course of his career.
This includes his role as the inaugural Chair of Australia’s First Families of Wine, this country’s leading group of multi-generational wine families, established in 2009 and past President of the Winemakers Federation of Australia now Australian Grape & Wine Incorporated.
Tahbilk Group welcomes Ross Sudano
Alister Purbrick welcomed Ross’ appointment by saying, “After 43 years running my family businesses, Tahbilk and the Tahbilk Group, it’s time for me to pass the baton on.”
“After an exhaustive recruitment process, overseen by a family and independent member panel, we welcome Ross and are certain that his extensive and proven business acumen and leadership skills will build on the successes achieved over 162 years of operation.”
“Ross will report the board, ensuring that the Purbrick family vision, mission and values underpin our culture whilst driving a new and exciting chapter for our family business.”
“We therefore wish him every success in this endeavour.”
Ross will be based at Tahbilk’s corporate office in Melbourne with regular time spent overseeing Tahbilk Group operations based in the Nagambie Lakes region of Victoria.
