By Andy Young & Deborah Jackson
Alcohol Beverages Australia has announced that Fergus Taylor will become its new executive director, taking up the position later this month.
A former NSW ministerial chief of staff and senior adviser to the Iemma and Rees governments, Taylor was, until recently, chief adviser for the NSW Transport Workers Union.
Giuseppe Minissale, Alcohol Beverages Australia’s chair, told TheShout: "Fergus will bring a new dynamic and a new enthusiasm to drive the ABA message to the community.
"We went through quite an extensive interview process and Fergus came out very well. The ABA Council is really excited about the new ideas he will bring to the table. The fact is that he is really proud to be in our industry and his message is going to be one of 'be loud and be proud of our alcohol industry', and we won't be on the back foot anymore.
“I welcome the appointment of Fergus to Alcohol Beverages Australia and to representing our industry, and ask that the industry give him every support in making ABA a success.
“Fergus has had a long career as a professional communicator and campaigner, and he will bring those skills and experience to the ABA. His knowledge of government relations and issues management will also be very valuable.”
Taylor’s appointment was unanimously confirmed by the pan-industry organisation’s Council at its recent meeting. He will start in his new role on 11 April.
In December, TheShout revealed that joining Minissale on the ABA Council would be Mitchell Taylor, managing director of Taylors Wines as vice chairman, and Shane Tremble, head of corporate development at Woolworths Liquor Group, as treasurer. The appointments are all on a two year basis.