Leadership Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Tiffani Graydon

As CEO of Yealands Wine Group, Tiffani has extensive senior executive experience specializing in commercial strategy, sales and marketing within the wine industry. With over 25 years working across global markets Tiffani has established a track record of transforming business performance through a bold and authentic leadership style, and a focus on customer-led strategies.

Tiffani’s passion for the industry began as a young restauranteur where she was introduced to the exciting world of wine. Honing her skills throughout the mid-90’s and early-00’s at Montana Wines and Lion Nathan NZ, in 2006 she left NZ with her family to live and work in Shanghai, China. During that period Tiffani worked with iconic NZ water brand, Antipodes Water, building their Asian distribution network to considerable scale.

Upon returning to NZ in 2009 Tiffani joined Pernod Ricard Winemakers holding several senior executive roles both locally and globally before leaving in 2019 to take up the position of CEO with Yealands Wine Group.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Deborah Grace

With the aim of guiding Yealands on its’ financial journey to growth, Deborah joined Yealands as CFO in 2020. With a global career in the beverage industry that spans 20 years, it’s evident that Deborah has a passion for working in entrepreneurial businesses and prioritises putting rigour behind their commercial performance and financial health.

Deborah’s role at Moa Group (NZ) saw her lead the business through financial & transformational change. Furthermore, moving from London to Sydney with William Grant, she headed up the Finance and Operations function for ANZ following a global ERP implementation which saw a period of unforeseen growth in market share across different spirits categories.

“Throughout my career I’ve got to do things that most “accountants” could only ever dream of. From Whisky tastings in Scotland and operating a harvester in Marlborough, to attending wine courses in Spain and performing a Sabrage in Champagne; I’ve even squeezed into a Formula one racing car!”

Deborah believes the Leadership Teams at Yealands is one of the best she’s worked with. Each leader brings extensive experience from around the world and by supporting each other’s ideas, we have built a clear strategy that outlines what needs to be done to deliver positive financial results for the business.

Favourite Yealands wine: A cheeky Yealands Late Pick Riesling paired with some after dinner cheese or a glass of Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc with freshly grilled fish, prawns or scallops.

GENERAL MANAGER- SUSTAINABILITY AND STRATEGIC PROJECTS

Michael Wentworth

Mike’s extensive career spans over twenty-five years in the wine and spirit industry. He has held senior sales and marketing roles at Montana, Allied Domecq and Penord Ricard with premium international brands including Champagne Mumm, Perrier Jouet, Lindauer and Deutz Marlborough Cuvée.

Michael is proud to have played a part in Yealands success to date, “Having been with the company since it began, I see my role as one which honours the vision and ambition that Yealands has always had, whilst continuing to help the company and its’ people evolve, grow and learn. All the while my focus is on supporting Yealands leadership in sustainable winemaking practices and initiatives, encouraging others in our industry and community to do the same.

“I think that we’re only getting started – our brands have so much potential, with our stunning physical assets, sustainability focus and distinctive wines, the opportunity is massive.”

Favourite Yealands wine: Yealands Reserve Chardonnay is such a versatile, crowd friendly wine. A real fruit salad of flavours, with a light touch of oak for complexity.

GENERAL MANAGER- MARKETING

Nina Andrew

Nina joined Yealands Wine Group in 2018 and is focused on building Yealands, Babydoll and The Crossings into strong, well-known New Zealand wine brands which are recognised globally for their quality and sustainable practices.

Nina is excited to unlock the next stage of growth, and commercial results, for the business guided by a strong strategic plan & vision. Furthermore, growing Yealands by working alongside its fantastic global partners; building on the equity and relationships that have been developed.

“I love working in the wine industry and it’s incredible to be able to showcase Yealands brands across the world. It is also very humbling to be part of a business that has been grounded in a sustainable mind-set from day one. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing people in London, New York, or closer to home in New Zealand, enjoying a glass of Yealands or The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc.”

Favourite Yealands wine: There’s nothing quite like a delicious Yealands Rosé, best paired with good friends on a sunny day.

GENERAL MANAGER- SALES

Liam Kelly

Motivated to work for an NZ-owned and operated business, Liam joined the Leadership Team at Yealands in 2020 with the ambition of delivering our brands to the world.

Well-travelled, and well-versed in the world of FMCG, Liam returned home to New Zealand in 2016 after eight years offshore working for Diageo, based first in Sydney and then in Singapore as the Head of Sales for Travel Retail in Asia-Pacific. His impressive career in FMCG and the liquor industry spans 20 years, with senior roles held at Campbell Arnott’s, Kellogg’s and most recently a three-year stint at DB/Heineken NZ.

“There are many opportunities for our brands globally and we’re lucky to have such a passionate team within Yealands, and also across our distribution partners that we work with across multiple markets.”

Liam is focused on helping deliver the next growth phase for Yealands by building on the success that the business has achieved in delivering its 5-year plan, both from a maturity perspective and in its commercial performance.

Favourite Yealands wine: Yealands Reserve Rosé paired with Bluebird Salt and Vinegar chips – I’m a pretty simple bloke.

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

Sally Higgins

Sally is 100% committed to the health, safety, and wellbeing of ‘our people’ at Yealands and believes that our teams are bursting with potential. The importance of leadership development and talent are a key focus for her.

Sally’s career has seen her work across several industries including the health sector. This experience, in a challenging yet rewarding environment, saw her surrounded by dedicated health professionals who genuinely care for people, families, and whanau.

Her recent role at Woodbourne Air Force base with the NZ Defence Force saw Sally as part of the leadership team led by the first woman Base Commander in NZ. “Having an insight into our combat-capable air force was fascinating – there was never a dull moment. Flying in NH90 helicopters and C-130 Hercules as part of my day job was pretty exciting!”

Sally is focused on driving strategies to support ‘our people’ so they succeed and thrive throughout their careers at Yealands and beyond.

Favourite Yealands wine: Partial to our Yealands Sauvignon Blanc; however, a Chardonnay is an absolute go to – particularly when it’s matched with Bluff Oysters.

GENERAL MANAGER- VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING

Antony Bell

Having first helped out at a local vineyard as a teenager, it didn’t take long for Ants to identify that wine was his passion, and he’s been a part of the industry ever since. He's worked in various roles across the industry from viticulture to sales with brands including Fruitfed and Matua. “Yealands is still a relatively young company and it’s great to be a part of the team growing and shaping the future of the business. I hope that my industry experience, fresh thinking and ideas will help to drive Yealands forward on its journey and ambitious plans – it’s a very exciting time.”

Favourite Yealands wine: Yealands Single Vineyard P.G.R

GENERAL MANAGER- SUPPLY CHAIN

Ronnie Singh

Ronnie is tasked with ensuring our processes and systems are enhanced to handle growth, and our people are engaged in this process. He believes that with a clear strategy and motivated team people can transform a business, “The team’s talent and passion is something I identified from my first meeting with Yealands and it really drew me to the business.

“I have been lucky to have a multi-faceted career working in multinationals, a lot of offshore experience and working with smaller businesses building strategies and roadmaps for accelerated growth. It’s this experience that I hope will bring the right challenge, process and roadmap for continual success at Yealands.”

Favourite Yealands wine: Yealands 2016 Winemakers Reserve Awatere Pinot Noir. A smooth easy to drink red with light fruit flavours and great to pair with the prepping and eating of a roast lamb dinner.