Key People
Anthony Wilkes – Managing Director, B.Bus (Agriculture) 1st Class Honours, AICD (Australian Institute of Company Directors)
Anthony commenced his career with the Holmes a Court family company- Heytesbury Holdings Pty Ltd initially in the Pastoral/Beef Cattle operations then the parent company Heytesbury, where he was instrumental in the development of the successful Vasse Felix Vineyard project in 1997. Over the next 6 years Anthony managed the development of the large Great Southern vineyard development (285ha) and construction of a 4 000 tonne Margaret River winery. Anthony has a depth of experience in corporate administration, capital raising, marketing, compliance, prospectus development, business planning, forecasting and strategy development. Anthony joined Ferngrove as Chief Executive Officer in October 2004 and has been leading the team, taking Ferngrove to the top echelon of quality premium wine producers in Australia and building a solid financial platform to grow from. In October 2008, Anthony was appointed Managing Director and was recognised by the WA Business News in 2007 winning a 40 under 40 award and also one of fifteen invite only participants on the National Wine Industry's "Future Leaders Course".
Kim Horton – Senior Winemaker
Kim joined Ferngrove in 2003 after a year as winemaker at Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River, and before that, three years at Chestnut Grove in Manjimup. Prior to that he worked for Houghtons. Kim has achieved significant accolades with his involvement to date including the Australian Wine Selectors – Young Australian Winemaker of the Year 2005. Kim has a Bachelor of Science (Wine Science) Charles Sturt University.
Rick Berwick - National Sales Manager
Rick has an extensive background in the food and beverage industry with over 20 years experience including the Cadbury Schweppes Drinks Division and Simplot Australia Food Service and Retail Divisions. Most recently, Rick was the WA Sales Manager of MGM/Wine Savvy overseeing 10 salespeople and support staff in two WA sales teams representing the following brands: Laurent Perrier Champagne, Brown Brothers, West Cape Howe, d'Arenburg, Zonte's Footstep, Driftwood Estate, Peel Estate, Mt Trio, Hayshed Hill, Leaping Lizard, Saint Clair, Pitchfork, McHenry Hohnen, Barokes, Paul Conti, Tin Pot Hut, StopBanks and John Kosovich.
Chris Zur – Vineyard Manager
Chris is the Vineyard Manager in charge of the Frankland Vineyards which total over 223 Ha. He has been employed by Ferngrove since its inception in March 1998, and has an intimate knowledge of our estate vineyards together with an excellent working knowledge of all aspects of cool climate viticulture.
Andrew Blythe- International Market Manager
Andrew has 13 years experience and proven success in General Management and Senior Sales and Marketing roles in the wine industry as well as a true passion and understanding for Western Australian Wines. Prior to joining Ferngrove Andrew was Global Sales and Marketing Manager for the Palandri Wine Group managing the Group's Export and Marketing operations since its start up in 2001. Andrew was with Palandri for almost 9 years and prior to this held a position as Brand Manager with Kingston Estate Wine Group in SA.
