Leadership Team

Interim CEO | General Manger Commercial

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. She knows our teams are bursting with potential, so the importance of leadership development and talent are key focus areas.

Sally is focused on driving strategies to support everyone at Yealands to succeed and thrive throughout their careers and beyond, and she feels “extremely fortunate to be part of the Yealands whanau who always put their people first”.

Favourite Yealands wine: Very partial to our Yealands S1 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

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Murray Waugh

Driven by his passion for taking the best of New Zealand to the world, Murray joined Yealands in 2024 as CFO.

In his 20+ year career in Finance, Murray has worked across multiple industries in NZ and globally, including roles with KPMG, Goldman Sachs, Fonterra and Spark NZ. Over that time Murray has driven great commercial outcomes, combining strong technical expertise with a focus on continuous improvement and building highly effective teams.

Murray is focussed on building on the potential of the Yealands business and its brands through simple, efficient commercial support.

Favourite Yealands wine: Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Albarino - something a little different!