South Australian entrepreneur and renowned winemaker Warren Randall has taken up a position on the Adelaide Football Club’s Board of Directors.
He replaces Jim McDowell who is stepping down due to the demands of his role as Chief Executive of South Australia’s Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Randall, a leading winemaker, is the Executive Chairman and Proprietor of Randall Wine Group which owns the Barossa Valley-based Seppeltsfield and numerous other wine interests, including Tinlins.
Crows Chairman Rob Chapman described Randall as a highly successful leader who had skills and qualities to complement those of existing Board Directors.
“Warren is well known to the Club and admired for his business acumen and authenticity,” Chapman said.
“He has a proven track record of developing and leading successful organisations, having built a large global business based here in South Australia, and like the other Directors he will play a key role in guiding the Club through the COVID-19 environment and beyond.”
Chapman thanked McDowell, who joined the Board early in 2017, for his contribution and acknowledged the growing demands of his Government position.
“Although Jim’s tenure has been relatively short, he has made a wonderful contribution and we are understanding of his decision,” Chapman said.
“He carries an immense workload with wide-ranging and significant responsibilities and none more important than leading the South Australian Government’s Transition Committee, which oversees the State’s economic and social recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, as well as managing the threat of outbreaks.”
McDowell said he could unfortunately no longer devote the necessary time and energy required to be a Board Director of an AFL club.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Club and while no longer able to serve in an official capacity, I will continue to be a supporter who watches with interest the on and off-field progress,” McDowell said.
Randall described his appointment as a privilege, adding he was motivated by his passion for the Crows as well as the challenges that lie ahead.
“I look forward to using my many and varied experiences in business and building high performing organisations to help the Club grow and prosper,” he said.
Under the Club’s Constitution, the Board can comprise a maximum of nine Directors with two of those Member-elected.
Adelaide’s Board Directors are Rob Chapman (Chairman), Jim Hazel (Deputy Chairman), Mark Ricciuto, Linda Fellows, Richard Fennell, Kate Ellis, Rod Jameson, Kym Ryder and Warren Randall.
