Our People - Vinlink

Our Team Make it all Possible

Our Board

Simon Gilbertson

Managing Director

Simon Gilbertson left school at 15 to begin his career interaction with the land. After graduating from Lincoln University he decided to work in the city in order to save money to purchase a farm. After thirteen years of corporate life Simon purchased vineyards and built 3 wineries and a brewery in Hawke’s Bay, Australia and Marlborough

Chris Gallaher

Chairman

Chris is a graduate of Otago University. After a career in chartered accounting, including partnership in Arthur Young, he moved into the corporate world holding CEO and CFO roles with Brierley Investments, Carter Holt Harvey, Village Cinemas and Fulton Hogan.
He is currently Chairman of Pacific Edge Ltd and Mariposa Holdings Ltd and is a Director of the Highlanders Rugby Club

Nigel Oliver

Non-Executive Director

Nigel is a Partner in the Banking, Finance and Insolvency team at national law firm Anthony Harper. Nigel advises many of New Zealand’s banks and other financial institutions, including advice on transactions involving the wine industry. Nigel has been advising the Links Group of companies since 2006.

Our Key People

James Watters

CEO

James brings over 30 years of leadership experience across multiple sectors and global markets. Marlborough is now home, with a love of New Zealand wine and an industry exporting the best New Zealand has to offer to the world.

His experience over the past twelve years includes having led some of New Zealand’s largest outsource logistics programs for companies including Woolworths, Foodstuffs, Z Energy, Lion Nathan, and Asahi. Prior to this, James spent 15 years with the world’s largest technology distribution company in different roles across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

James joined VinLink in mid-2024 as our CEO.

Nikky Doyle

Finance Manager

Nikky started her career as a Chartered Management Accountant in the UK, she moved to Marlborough New Zealand in 2010.

She has spent time with WK in private practice, worked in financial management roles for Marisco and Sacred Hill, and most recently led the management accounting function at VinLink Marlborough.

Nikky joined VinLink in 2021 and was appointed Finance Manager in mid-2024.

Gustavo Assandri

Chief Production Winemaker

Starting his winemaking journey on his family’s vineyards in Uruguay, Gustavo initially specialised in both red and white varieties. Over the years, his career has expanded through various roles in the wine industry, gaining both national and international experience. For the past 14 years in New Zealand, Gustavo has focused on scaling Sauvignon Blanc production, maintaining and reinforcing high-quality standards while driving market leadership in large-scale wineries. His approach emphasises fostering effective communication and empowering teams to make informed decisions that align with company objectives

Jeff Lee

Asset and Logistics Manager

Originally from Oregon, Jeff is well and truly a local. He has spent over a decade living and working in the Marlborough wine industry. Jeff graduated from Oregon State University with a BS in Fermentation Science and Technologies in 2007, and is our Winemaker for VinLink’s internationally sold wine. Jeff put himself through University as a brewer in the burgeoning craft beer scene in Oregon. Then he jumped ship to winemaking to travel the globe. Jeff is also our resident capital programs manager and is always looking at maximising winery efficiencies to produce high quality wines.

Tim Adams

Marlborough Winemaker

Tim was raised on a sheep farm in Mid Canterbury. While sheep farming didn’t take his fancy a love of the land did. An early career in the hospitality industry led to him seeking further education. After obtaining a BSc from Canterbury University and a 5-year exploration of the world, including visits to some of the great wine regions, he returned to New Zealand with a passion for making wine. A Post Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology from Lincoln University in 1998 was the start of a journey that has led Tim to making wine in four continents, ticking off over 30 vintages, 23 in Marlborough.

Managing vineyards in Central Otago and Marlborough, to understand the intricacies of growing grapes, and working harvest both in New Zealand and Internationally, Australia, USA, Europe and Asia, led to winemaking roles with some of Marlborough’s leading wineries. A stint as a consultant winemaker/viticulturist followed. Tim brings a wealth of industry knowledge and skills to his role with us at VinLink.

Shelley Wetton

Quality and Compliance Manager

Raised in the stunning region of Marlborough, Shelley had her first taste of the Wine Industry in 2007. Enjoying the variety and energy of the industry she undertook study in Winemaking and Viticulture and gained experience across various roles, before joining the VinLink team in 2015. Shelley oversees Health and Safety, Quality and Sustainability – so guaranteed there is never a dull moment. Shelley’s drive is keeping people safe and ensuring the integrity of the wine we produce.