Monday 24 August 2026
The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) today announced that Dr Mark Krstic will step down as Managing Director at the end of 2026, following seven years of leadership and a total of 15 years of service to the AWRI.
The AWRI Board acknowledges Mark’s significant contribution to the organisation, its people and the wider industry, and thanks him for his dedicated leadership of the AWRI and his commitment to stakeholders, partners and the sector.
Since becoming Managing Director in December 2019, Mark has led the AWRI through a period of considerable challenges and change, maintaining focus on practical, industry-relevant science and support.
Mark has been a strong advocate for innovation and applied science, with a consistent focus on ensuring research outcomes translate into real-world benefits for the sector. His contribution was recognised in 2020, when he was named ASVO Viticulturist of the Year.
As Managing Director, Mark successfully launched Affinity Labs, AWRI’s fee-for-service commercial testing lab, and established a CRC-P focused on No and Low (NOLO) alcohol wine production. He led efforts to secure the AWRI’s core strategic partnership with Wine Australia and Adelaide University, oversaw the successful delivery of the 2022 and 2025 Australian Wine Industry Technical Conferences, and has strengthened important ties with international scientific and commercial wine testing laboratories, keeping Australian wine science at the forefront of global conversations.
Mark has also played a longstanding role in smoke taint research and emergency response since 2006. He was central to the AWRI’s response through major bushfire events in 2013, 2019 and 2020, helping growers and producers navigate particularly challenging conditions.
“I have loved leading such a talented team of dedicated and passionate professionals who are deeply committed to advancing Australian wine through trusted, world-class science and practical industry solutions,” said Dr Krstic.
“The AWRI is in a strong position, with an exceptional team, deep industry relationships and a clear purpose. I leave the organisation with enormous pride in what has been achieved and with every confidence that the organisation will continue to play a vital role in supporting the future of the Australian grape and wine sector,” he said.
Professor Kiaran Kirk, Chair of the AWRI Board, said “Mark has led the AWRI with great distinction, steering the organisation through a period of unprecedented challenge and change. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Mark for his leadership, his steadfast commitment, and his tireless advocacy for the sector throughout his time at the AWRI.”
The Board will start a search for the AWRI’s next Managing Director and will work closely with Mark and the AWRI executive team to enable a smooth leadership transition.
About the AWRI
The Australian Wine Research Institute is the Australian grape and wine industry’s own research organisation. It supports a sustainable and successful grape and wine industry through world-class research, practical solutions and knowledge transfer. Learn more at awri.com.au
Media contact:
Shiralee Dodd – Company Secretary
Ph: 08 8313 6600