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Robyn Lewis

Managing Director at Milford

Professional Background

Robyn Lewis is a highly accomplished professional and the Managing Director of Milford, a leading and diverse farming, horticultural, and viticultural enterprise located in the picturesque region of Tasmania, Australia. As the eighth oldest family business in the country, Milford has a rich heritage and is instrumental in the local community's agricultural landscape. With a remarkable career spanning multiple sectors, Robyn has established a commendable reputation as an innovator in business, particularly in the realms of wine tourism and digital marketing.

One of Robyn's most noteworthy achievements is the founding of VisitVineyards, which at one point stood as Australia’s premier online food and wine travel guide. Attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually and boasting more than 50,000 subscribers, VisitVineyards has evolved to become the most extensive wine producer database in Australia. Her clever strategic alliances with major driving organizations like RACV, RACQ, and RACT — collectively representing over three million members — further solidified its status within the industry. Under her guidance, the platform also saw the launch of Australia’s first national mobile wine and food travel iPhone app, showcasing her innovative approach to digital solutions in travel.

In addition to her achievements with VisitVineyards, Robyn founded and oversees Digital Wine Global, which has become Australia's leading online group focused on digital marketing within the wine industry. This group absorbed the U.S. counterpart in 2018, reflecting its growing influence and importance in the sector. Committed to environmental causes, she established the Milford Forest Landcare Group, dedicated to the preservation of endemic orchids and their natural habitats, and she serves as the Public Officer for the Central Highlands Tasmania Wildlife Group, aimed at supporting wildlife recovery following the catastrophic bushfires in 2019.

Robyn is characterized by her can-do attitude and remarkable organizational skills, excelling in various domains including food and wine, digital marketing, innovation, travel, and environmental sustainability. She thrives on collaboration with positive individuals and has an undeniable talent for motivating teams to pursue their goals efficiently and effectively.

Education and Achievements

Robyn's academic journey is as impressive as her professional one. She has studied Strategic Entrepreneurship, Business Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services at The Fortune Institute, coupled with a Graduate Degree in Company Directors from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Additionally, she undertook a Strategic High Achievers' Program in Business Administration, Operations, and Marketing at the same institution.

With a Master of Science from the prestigious University of Oxford, along with a Certificate in IT and Computer Programming from the University of Melbourne, and a Bachelor of Economics – specializing in Resource and Agricultural Economics from the University of Tasmania, Robyn’s educational background strongly complements her successful career.

Her exceptional contributions to the community and business sector have not gone unnoticed. In 2010, she was awarded the Nokia Innovation Award for Tasmania during the Telstra Businesswomen's Awards. Additionally, in 2011, Robyn co-led a dedicated team that raised over A$275,000 for relief efforts following devastating natural disasters in Victoria and Queensland, further demonstrating her commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. Recently, she successfully spearheaded an online fundraising initiative, raising over $20,000 for the Central Highlands Tasmania Wildlife Group, showcasing her unwavering passion for environmental advocacy.

Notable Contributions and Organizations

Robyn's versatility extends far beyond her immediate professional commitments. She has held numerous key volunteer and governance roles. She served as a Council Member of the Inland Fisheries Advisory Council in Tasmania and was a Board Member for both the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and the Food Industry Council. Additionally, she was a consultant at Brand Tasmania, contributing to initiatives that promote Tasmanian brands both locally and internationally.

One of her pioneering roles was as the inaugural Curator and Project Manager at the Moorilla Museum, now known as MONA, where she played a significant role in establishing a cultural institution that has become a must-visit destination. Robyn's project management skills also extended to building a successful brand loyalty program for a Queensland beverage company, demonstrating her prowess in elevating business performance through strategic marketing and community engagement.

Robyn's international experience includes consultancies with the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and various NGOs in Africa and Asia, where she gained valuable insights into economic development strategies. This extensive experience has allowed her to effectively navigate complex environments, further enhancing her capability in strategic planning and project management.

Personal Interests and Values

Outside her professional life, Robyn is passionate about gardening, art, writing, and the environment. Her love for botany is reflected in her initiatives to preserve natural habitats, while her interest in history and fishing complements her affinity for outdoor activities. She is committed to creating sustainable practices not only in her professional endeavors but also in her personal life, recognizing the importance of caring for the environment.

Robyn is known for her enthusiasm for connecting with new people and developing lasting relationships, which fuels her work in business and community-oriented projects. She is an advocate for conscious travel and innovative business practices that prioritize sustainability, demonstrating her belief in the power of entrepreneurship to create positive change.

In summary, Robyn Lewis stands out as an influential force in Tasmania's agricultural landscape. With a wealth of knowledge and experience in project management, digital marketing, and sustainability advocacy, she continues to inspire and lead initiatives that enhance both the community and the environment. Her collaborative spirit, innovative mindset, and commitment to her values make her a remarkable asset to the fields she engages in, leaving a profound impact on the industries and individuals she touches.

Achievements

Robyn Lewis is the recipient of the Nokia Innovation Award for Tasmania, awarded during the Telstra Businesswomen's Awards in 2010. Her leadership in raising over A$275,000 for disaster relief efforts in 2011 exemplifies her commitment to community service. In recent times, she successfully raised over $20,000 online for the Central Highlands Tasmania Wildlife Group, showcasing her active engagement with environmental initiatives.

Related Questions

How did Robyn Lewis develop her expertise in digital marketing for the wine industry?
What motivated Robyn Lewis to found VisitVineyards, and how did it impact the Australian wine tourism sector?
In what ways has Robyn Lewis contributed to environmental sustainability through her initiatives like Milford Forest Landcare?
How has Robyn Lewis's international experience influenced her career in agriculture and economic development?
What are some of the innovative strategies that Robyn Lewis implemented while launching Australia's first national mobile wine and food travel app?
Robyn Lewis
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Location

Tasmania, Australia