Our Team
Meet the passionate team keeping VinLink humming.
Our Team
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.
Kathy Cooney
Wine Production Manager
Kathy has been passionate about a career in the wine industry since she was introduced to the idea at age 15. After studying a Masters in Oenology in Adelaide, Kathy lovingly created vintages in New Zealand and abroad. A permanent Lab Technician role attracted her to Marlborough in 2007, and in 2012, lured by the challenge of being part of something new, she signed up for a winemaking role at VinLink. The rest is history. While every vintage is different, one thing has stayed the same for Kathy – it’s all about the people!
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.
Jeff Lee
Client Winemaker/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 maximizing winery efficiencies to produce high quality wines.
Become a grower with VinLink
We’re growing, and we’d love you to grow for us! We’re looking to create even more trusted partnerships with growers across the Marlborough region.