The Coonawarra Vignerons Association (CVA) has officially appointed Hugh Koch as their new executive officer.
Mr Koch will assume the role in late January and will continue the outstanding work that outgoing executive officer Ockert Le Roux has undertaken with the CVA.
Mr Koch was previously employed as manager of Economic Development and Tourism, a senior executive officer with the Southern Grampians Shire Council, a position he has held since January 2010.
Mr Koch will bring a wealth of skills and leadership experiences developed across various sectors, including local and state government, tourism, events, community development, marketing, and hospitality.
“With a career in government and small business, I have the executive experience and ability to take on the executive officer’s role that would lead the CGWI (Coonawarra Grape and Wine Incorporated) through their next chapter,” Mr Koch said.
Coonawarra Vignerons Association president Daniel Redman said the CVA was delighted to welcome Mr Koch to the organisation.
“He is a highly regarded senior management professional who brings a wide range of skills and experiences with him,” Mr Redman said.
“Not to mention that he is immensely passionate about our region and the greater Limestone Coast.”
The incoming executive officer is no stranger to Coonawarra or the Limestone Coast as he has previously established his own restaurants in Penola and Robe.
“I have previously promoted Coonawarra as part of my role as Regional Marketing Manager – Limestone Coast; established and owned a restaurant in Penola where I lived with my partner Sophie, a winemaker with Katnook Treasury Wine Estates at the time,” he said.
“Having been raised on a farming property at Nareen in western Victoria, practicing in small business and two tiers of government and an extensive community background has provided me with an extensive local knowledge of the broader region and the ability to empathise with people from all walks of life.
“This experience has given me a strong understanding of the community, the importance and processes of the wine industry in Coonawarra and excellent local knowledge of the people and attributes of the region.”
Mr Koch has undertaken extensive research over the years to understand the complex nature of strategic economic and regional development.
He believes this has enabled him to effectively develop, implement and monitor strategies that contribute to the development of sustainable economic activity, executing strategic marketing and promotional campaigns for the Southern Grampians Shire.
“This experience will allow me an opportunity to deliver strategies and projects that will strengthen the Coonawarra brand and uplift its identity,” he said.
“In addition, my previous work in developing strategies to support, maintain and grow businesses across the Southern Grampians Shire has allowed me to be in a unique position to assist in building the resilience at every level of a Coonawarra Vignerons members’ business.”
Mr Redman said Mr Koch would be instrumental in maintaining the association’s strategic direction and promoting the renowned Coonawarra brand.
“And we are confident that he is the right person to assist in raising the profile of Coonawarra as a destination for visitors and ensure our world-renowned wine region remains globally competitive,” Mr Redman said.
“We look forward to 2023 with Hugh at the helm of Coonawarra Vignerons.”
