Legal Leadership in a Dynamic Landscape

Sarah Turner is the Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer at Treasury Wine Estates. She oversees global legal, company secretarial, governance, and corporate affairs functions. With over 20 years of experience across industries like technology, digital media, and financial services, Sarah has held senior leadership roles in Australia and the UK. She holds a Bachelor of Laws with Honours, a Bachelor of Arts, and various other qualifications in corporate governance and directorship.

Following is the conversation that we had with her.

Could you briefly describe your professional background and how it prepared you for your current role as Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer at Treasury Wine Estates?

Absolutely. I have more than 20 years of experience in the legal sector, both in Australia and the UK, and across a variety of industries including technology, digital media, financial services, and healthcare. I’ve also had the privilege of working in private legal practice.

I've held several global leadership roles, most recently as General Counsel and Company Secretary at Link Administration Holdings Limited and REA Group Ltd. This broad experience has been invaluable in my current role, allowing me to bring a fresh perspective to Treasury Wine Estates (TWE). Each role has contributed to my skill set, and I believe having diverse experiences helps you approach new challenges with the right mix of insight and innovation.

How have modern technologies assisted in advancing the legal and corporate affairs landscape, and how have you leveraged these technologies to propel Treasury Wine Estates forward?

Technology plays an integral role at Treasury Wine Estates, especially since we’re a global organisation with diverse team members, from Vineyard Operators and Winemakers to Corporate Support functions. We rely heavily on technology to stay connected across our global network—whether through live streaming, video content sharing, or enterprise platforms like Workplace.

In the legal and corporate affairs space, we use technology for everything from planning to task tracking. We’re also exploring AI tools, particularly in the legal function, to assist with administrative and time-consuming tasks. Although we’re in the early stages, I expect AI will continue to play a significant role in streamlining legal processes and enhancing overall efficiency.

What are the most significant challenges facing Treasury Wine Estates from a legal and corporate affairs standpoint? How have you helped the organization address these challenges?

One of the major challenges we’ve navigated is the introduction of tariffs in China, which significantly impacted our operations. Fortunately, the tariffs were lifted earlier this year, and we are proud of how we adapted during that period, emerging as a stronger and more diversified business. The growth potential in China is exciting, and we’re now focusing on long-term opportunities in the region.

We’re also seeing shifting consumer preferences, particularly towards premium and luxury wines. This shift has prompted us to reshape our portfolio and refine our luxury strategy. With a portfolio of luxury and premium brands, we’re well positioned to achieve our vision of becoming the world’s most desirable luxury wine company.

Our M&A activities are a critical part of this strategy. Last year, we led TWE’s $1.6 billion acquisition of US wine company DAOU, which was the largest luxury wine deal of 2023. This acquisition has strengthened our Treasury Americas business and cemented our global leadership in luxury wine.

From a corporate affairs perspective, we’re also focused on promoting responsible drinking through educational campaigns, transparent labelling, and partnerships with industry groups like Drinkwise and Drinkaware.

How do you envision the legal and corporate affairs function evolving within the dynamic business landscape, and what steps are you taking to prepare Treasury Wine Estates to embrace and leverage upcoming changes?

The legal and corporate affairs landscape is evolving rapidly due to regulatory shifts, sustainability expectations, and growing consumer awareness. To stay ahead, we’re focusing on several key areas:

Enhancing Regulatory Foresight: We’re leveraging data analytics and industry insights to better predict and navigate regulatory changes across our global markets. This ensures that we remain compliant and ahead of industry trends.

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships: By deepening our engagement with industry bodies, government agencies, and key stakeholders, we’re able to shape favorable outcomes and influence policy decisions that align with our business priorities.

Driving a Culture of Compliance and Ethics: At TWE, we’re embedding a culture that prioritizes ethics and integrity. This includes continuous training and fostering an understanding that compliance is not a constraint but a strategic enabler.

These steps are designed to help us respond to changes in the legal landscape proactively and ensure our brand continues to thrive in this dynamic environment.

As a concluding note, what advice would you offer other senior leaders and CXOs navigating the ever-changing legal and corporate affairs space?

My advice would be to foster close collaboration across all functions and leverage diverse perspectives within your teams. Embrace innovation, particularly in the way you approach challenges. Building strong, proactive relationships with regulators, industry partners, and stakeholders is also crucial—not only to mitigate risks but to help shape the future of your industry.

Lastly, always anchor your decisions in your organisation’s core values. In an ever-evolving business landscape, these values will guide you through even the most complex challenges.