Brett O’Riley joins Wine Grenade board

This is a supplied media release.

Wine Grenade, the wine maturation start-up, has recruited technology executive Brett O’Riley to its board. The appointment of Mr O'Riley, who also becomes chairman, strengthens Wine Grenade’s commercialisation capabilities as the company expands into new wine growing territories and leverages data captured during maturation.

Mr O'Riley has extensive experience in IT, innovation strategy and international business development. Most recently chief executive of Auckland’s economic growth agency Ateed for five years, Mr O'Riley was previously deputy chief executive, business innovation and investments for the Ministry of Science and Innovation, and founding chief executive of the NZICT Group (now called NZ Tech) which represents New Zealand’s leading technology companies. He is an experienced technology company director and has also held senior roles during 14 years with companies within the Telecom group (now Spark) including Southern Cross Cable Network.

Mr O'Riley's current governance roles include directorships at drone noise cancellation start-up Dotterel Technologies, New Zealand Film Commission, Baseball NZ and Bowls NZ. He also works in an advisory capacity to a number of companies including Innovation Capital. A dedicated advocate for technology in education, Mr O'Riley is a founding member of the board of trustees of Manaiakalani Education Trust.

“In order to exploit IoT opportunities in the global wine industry, we need to bring in additional skills, experience and networks. We are fortunate to have Brett’s contribution and knowledge to accelerate our growth at a time when Wine Grenade is rapidly expanding and raising capital to do so," says chief executive Hamish Elmslie.  

“Wine Grenade is leveraging New Zealand’s strengths in horticulture IP and high-tech manufacturing to target an identifiable high value market opportunity. I’m thrilled to be working alongside Hamish, the other founders, and the existing investor group, to make the most of this opportunity,” Mr O'Riley says.