Hill-Smith Family Estates Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hill-Smith Family Estates has 4 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, information technology, financial management, and operational logistics.

Rooted in a legacy of viticulture spanning over 170 years, Hill-Smith Family Estates maintains a commitment to sustainable winemaking and global distribution excellence across diverse vineyard regions.

Leadership Roles at Hill-Smith Family Estates

  • Chief Executive Officer - Karl Martin
  • Chief Financial Officer - Staker George
  • Executive Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer - Brent Jones
  • Chief Information Officer - Linda Carragher
  • Karl Martin - Chief Executive Officer

    Karl Martin, the Chief Executive Officer at Hill-Smith Family Estates, directs the overarching strategic vision for this multi-generational wine enterprise. Overseeing the integration of vine cultivation, winemaking, and global distribution, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across the diverse portfolio of brands including Yalumba and Pewsey Vale Vineyard. Martin drives long-term sustainability initiatives while managing the complex relationships between the family-owned business and international market partners. By fostering innovation within the Yalumba Nursery and expanding vineyard sites across regions like Barossa and Marlborough, the Chief Executive Officer secures the company's competitive position in the global wine industry. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain the heritage of the organization while adapting to modern consumer demands. Ultimately, Karl Martin guarantees the continued success of the business for future generations through disciplined growth and a focus on quality craftsmanship.
    Karl Martin

    Staker George - Chief Financial Officer

    Staker George, the Chief Financial Officer at Hill-Smith Family Estates, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation for this expansive wine organization. Overseeing financial planning and analysis, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the profitability of the diverse brand portfolio, ranging from Yalumba to Nautilus Estate. George drives the financial strategy required to support ongoing investments in vineyard development and the expansion of distribution networks across international markets. By monitoring the economic performance of the company's businesses, including Samuel Smith & Son and Negociants, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary oversight to maintain a sustainable and successful business model. This leadership role involves rigorous risk management and the optimization of capital resources to support the company's long-term heritage. Staker George secures the financial stability of the organization, allowing the family to continue crafting quality wine for generations to come.

    Brent Jones - Executive Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer

    Brent Jones, the Executive Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer at Hill-Smith Family Estates, executes the daily operational requirements of the company's extensive winemaking and distribution activities. Overseeing the logistics of moving fine wine from vineyard sites in regions like the Riverland and Marlborough to global tables, the Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless production workflows. Jones drives the operational efficiency of the Yalumba Nursery and the various vineyard management teams to maintain the high standards of the family brands. By coordinating with other C-suite leaders, the Executive Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer aligns internal processes with the broader strategic goals of the organization. This role involves managing the complexities of a multi-faceted wine company while upholding the commitment to quality and heritage. Brent Jones optimizes the operational scale of the business, ensuring that every bottle reflects the dedication of the family to sustainable and successful winemaking.
    Brent Jones

    Linda Carragher - Chief Information Officer

    Linda Carragher, the Chief Information Officer at Hill-Smith Family Estates, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support complex wine production and distribution networks. Overseeing the technological integration of Samuel Smith & Son and Negociants, the Chief Information Officer ensures data accuracy across global supply chains. Carragher drives the implementation of advanced analytics to monitor vineyard performance and inventory levels across diverse regions like Tasmania and the Limestone Coast. By modernizing the digital systems that connect the company to wine lovers around the globe, the Chief Information Officer enhances operational efficiency and supports informed decision-making for the executive team. This role involves securing critical business data while enabling seamless communication between the various wine brands and distribution partners. Linda Carragher maintains the technological backbone of the organization, ensuring that digital tools remain aligned with the long-term sustainability goals of the family-owned business.
    Linda Carragher

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hill-Smith Family Estates Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Hill-Smith Family Estates?
    Hill-Smith Family Estates is led by Karl Martin (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Staker George (Chief Financial Officer) and Brent Jones (Executive Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Hill-Smith Family Estates’s executive team?
    The executive team of Hill-Smith Family Estates includes leaders such as Karl Martin (Chief Executive Officer), Staker George (Chief Financial Officer), Brent Jones (Executive Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Hill-Smith Family Estates have?
    Hill-Smith Family Estates has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Hill-Smith Family Estates’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Hill-Smith Family Estates includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Director, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer.