Victoria’s oldest family-owned winery Tahbilk (Est. 1860), owned and operated by the Purbrick family since 1925, has today announced the appointment of a new Tahbilk Group (TG) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to replace incumbent, fourth generation Purbrick, Alister, when he retires in June 2022.

Ross Sudano comes to the TG with a proven track record of corporate success, having held a number of CEO positions across a range of industries, identifying and implementing strategic growth opportunities.  

He is a recognised successful 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’ most recent role was as CEO and Managing Director 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.  

Ross differentiates by employing a strong and inclusive approach to leadership and starts with the TG today.

Current fourth generation CEO and Chief Winemaker Alister Purbrick, is a well-known figure on the Australian wine landscape, having 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.

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Alister welcomes Ross 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.”

Alister went on, “Ross will report to our family board, ensuring that the Purbrick family vision, mission and values underpin our Group culture whilst driving a new and exciting chapter for our family business.  We wish him every success.”

Ross will be based at Tahbilk’s corporate office in Melbourne with regular time spent overseeing TG operations based in the Nagambie Lakes region of Victoria.

Head to tahbilk.com.au/ for more information.  

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