Winarch Group has strengthened its leadership team with two senior appointments, It
Blake Vanderwoude has been named Head of Winarch Live, bringing more than 15 years’ experience in Australia’s sports, events and entertainment industries.
Vanderwoude was most recently Event Acquisition Manager at Venues NSW, where he oversaw the acquisition and delivery of major events, helped launch Allianz Stadium, and negotiated commercial partnerships with global promoters and sporting bodies.
Winarch Group CEO Kyle McKendry said Vanderwoude’s appointment marks a key step in embedding Winarch Live’s “artist and audience-first” model.
“Blake’s expertise in government engagement, commercial strategy and event acquisition makes him the ideal leader to advance our vision for Winarch Live as an artist and audience-first operator,” McKendry said.
“His focus on long-term stewardship and prosperity through place aligns perfectly with our values.”
Blake Vanderwoude
Expanding music retail with community focus
Meanwhile, Adam Slattery joins as Head of Winarch Music, bringing more than 20 years of commercial leadership across retail, e-commerce and customer experience.
A former senior executive at Vodafone, Woolworths and American Express, Slattery will oversee Winarch’s music retail businesses, including Newcastle’s Musos Corner and Sydney’s The Guitar Lounge.
With a focus on growth and community engagement, Slattery will work to strengthen these heritage brands as trusted cultural hubs for musicians.
“Adam’s ability to blend commercial acumen with cultural sensitivity makes him the perfect leader for Winarch Music. His vision will ensure our music businesses not only grow but also stay true to their community roots,” McKendry said.
Adam Slattery
Building a cultural and commercial ecosystem
The appointments come as Winarch Group continues to expand its footprint across entertainment and cultural infrastructure, with divisions spanning Winarch Live, Winarch Music and Winarch Experience.
Together, the businesses aim to redefine how venues, artists and communities connect to create long-term cultural and economic value.
In November, Winarch Group will also serve as presenting partner for Daniel Johns’ What If The Future Never Happened? project, including the release of a short film and a run of intimate East Coast shows.