The board of wine business, Australian Vintage, has sacked CEO, Craig Garvin, for conduct it said, “displayed a lack of judgement and was inconsistent with the values of the company and the high standards expected of its CEO”.
Non-executive director, Peter Perrin, has been appointed acting CEO as the board prepares for an international search for a permanent replacement.
Australian Vintage chair, Richard Davis, said the departure would have no impact on the discussions underway with Accolade Wines on a possible merger. He said the discussions were “continuing” but there was no guarantee a transaction would eventuate.
Garvin was CEO for four years, and led dairy manufacturer Parmalat prior to that. He had previously held senior roles at Star City Casino, Campbell Arnott’s, and Lion Nathan.
Davis said the board was disappointed by the by the circumstances leading to his departure, it thanked Garvin for his contributions.
“These include steering the company through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the development and execution of the company’s five-year strategic plan, which transformed AVG into a consumer-led branded business with a commitment to innovation.
“[W]e believe this decision is in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders. The board remains committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct and accountability for all employees, including senior leadership,” Davis said.
Perrin has a 40-year career in the wine industry with a focus on sales and marketing. He is chair of AV’s risk and sustainability committee and a member of the people, remuneration, and culture committee.
