2010 has heralded a number of appointments to key positions here at ARA.
In December 2009, Christine Pears was appointed to the position of Chief Executive. She has extensive experience in company leadership roles both in New Zealand and internationally. She is a knowledgeable wine industry executive and for many years was a senior executive with an internationally recognised New Zealand wine company.
A graduate of the University of Auckland and a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants, Christine is accomplished in the areas of corporate strategy, business development and growing new business ventures to global recognition.
Christine said: "I am committed to working with our distribution partners internationally, continuing to build on the market and operational excellence that has been achieved to date, and to establish ARA as a preferred New Zealand partner in the global wine industry. We are in the process of making a number of exciting appointments that will support out network of business partners in representing the ARA brand around the world.”
Christine is also a Director of the Auckland branch of the YMCA, a community-centred organisation focussed on leading social and economic change around the world.
Arie Dekker has been appointed to the executive position of Chief Financial Officer. Arie has held a number of roles within our broader business group and has been a valued contributor to the Ara business since 2005. He is a graduate of Massey University and holds a Masters degree in Business Studies (Honours)
Sophie Warner has joined the Australian Business Development team in New South Wales. She is a passionate wine professional in both the on-premise and retail channels. Her luxury wine brand experience with Moet Hennessy Australia is a welcome addition to our team. We welcome her onboard and look forward to some exciting new opportunities taking shape in the Australian market.
Nikki Tremayne comes to us from Mercedes Benz New Zealand and joins the administration team at ARA as our new Sales & Marketing Co-ordinator in the Auckland office. Her exceptional organisational and planning skills will be a key asset in supporting the growth of the ARA brand around the world.