Familiar face returns

Former tourism boss to head up vignerons association

The Coonawarra Vignerons Association (CVA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hugh Koch as its new executive officer. Hugh will continue the outstanding work that 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.

He will assume the new role by late January next year and will bring with him a broad range of skills and leadership experiences developed across various sectors, including Local and State Government, Tourism, Events, Hospitality, Marketing and Community Development.

“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 through their next chapter,” Mr Koch said.

The incoming executive officer is no stranger to Coonawarra, or the Limestone Coast having previously established his very own restaurants in Robe and Penola. “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 and Treasury Wine Estates at the time.

“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.”

Over the years Mr Koch has undertaken extensive research to understand the complex nature of strategic economic and regional development, which he believes 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,” Mr Koch 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.”