MVGWTA Staff

In early 2015, Jennifer was appointed as the Executive General Manager of the McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association – the peak body representing more than 550 businesses and over AU$500m in farm-gate value – encompassing all grape-growers, winemakers and tourism providers in one of Australia’s most valuable wine tourism regions – McLaren Vale, South Australia.

Jennifer’s international experience in the wine industry spans 18 years and multiple key markets including London and Sydney as well as multiple brands and channels of business including import, export, online, retail and on premise. Prior to being appointed as the General Manager for MVGWTA, Jennifer was based in Melbourne and worked for the New Zealand wine industry’s national representative body, New Zealand Winegrowers, as the Australian Manager which at the time was New Zealand’s largest export market by value and volume.

Jennifer’s education and experience is strongly founded in strategic analysis, business management, marketing and communications with tertiary qualifications from University of Adelaide, Bordeaux Institute and the Wine and Spirit Education Trust. Jennifer is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

With strong family ties to McLaren Vale and a keen interest in wine tourism and organisational branding, Lucy returned to the region after six years spent working in Marketing and Community Engagement roles across State Government development projects and the international business tourism industry.

Graduating from UniSA with a degree in Public Relations and Media Management, Lucy takes great fulfilment in establishing strong, valuable connections with people across all channels of an organisation, community and industry.

With experience in marketing, branding and graphic design, Monika joins the marketing team from the not-for-profit sector as a digital marketing specialist. Prior to this Monika spent four years working in the apparel industry at Pacific Brands (now Hanes Brands Australasia) in Melbourne. With a passion for digital marketing, innovative marketing strategies and collaborative working relationships, Monika is looking forward to promoting the region and community in which she lives.

In addition to her industry (marketing) experience, Monika has a Bachelor of Arts degree from RMIT University, Certificate IV in Marketing and a Certificate III in Events.

Carmen has over 15 years’ experience in Office Management and Executive Assistant roles working in both Adelaide and Sydney.

During this time Carmen gained extensive experience across many industries working at IMF, Department of Premier and Cabinet and KPMG in Sydney and Jardine Lloyd Thompson in Adelaide.

Prior to working in the corporate environment, Carmen began her career in hospitality at the previously named ‘McLarens on the Lake’ before taking the hospitality journey further and working with Great Southern Railway on the Indian Pacific and The Ghan.

The opportunity to work in many varying roles and industries has given Carmen a broad outlook on working with people from all walks of life, and an ability to adapt to change whilst developing new business structures. Along with identifying and introducing new policies and procedures that improve efficiency in time management and administrative systems whilst leading and supporting management and importantly all balanced by a good sense of humour.

Rachel has held varied roles in the Natural Resources Management sector, primarily in sustainable agriculture and habitat management. Prior to starting with the MVGWTA, Rachel was employed as a Field and Education Officer at the Murray Mallee Local Action Planning Association, supporting farmers in the Murray Mallee.

Rachel enjoys working with landholders and community members to develop and implement projects that increase production and improve environmental condition. She is looking forward to working with Mclaren Vale grape growers and other stakeholders to continue to build a sustainable industry.

Jason Fleming lives with his wife and two boys in the McLaren Vale region and is an active member of the Community. As Partnership Manager for the Association he is passionate about developing relationship with key industry partners. 

Sponsorship is a crowded place and Jason has the ability to work with people and develop relationships ensuring mutually beneficial solutions that are sustainable over a long period of time.