The head of trade association New Zealand Winegrowers has decided to retire.
Philip Gregan (below), will step away from the organisation he has led since the “early 1990s” in June next year. The executive started his career in New Zealand’s wine industry fresh out of university in 1983 as a research officer at the Wine Institute of New Zealand.
A replacement for Gregan is yet to be appointed, with the trade association’s chair thanking him for providing plenty of notice.
“This remarkable tenure reflects a working lifetime of unwavering commitment and immense contribution,” said Fabian Yukich. “Philip advised the board of his intentions some time ago. Today’s announcement reflects his consideration to ensure sufficient time to appoint a suitably qualified successor and allow for a seamless handover.”
After starting with the Wine Institute in the 1980s, he rose to become its CEO in the “early 1990s”, prior to the organisation’s merger in 2002 with the country’s Grape Growers Council to form New Zealand Winegrowers.
“The 1990s was an exciting time as the world opened for New Zealand exporters,” said Gregan. “At that time, 99% of New Zealand wine was produced for a domestic market. Today, we are a global wine success story, with over 90% of wine heading to overseas markets and exports worth over NZD2bn (US$1.19bn) per year.
“Our wines now help define the reputation of New Zealand as a country around the world.”
Last month, Foley Family Wines & Spirits transitioned the VP of its international sales, Ryan Stewart, to its listed Foley Wines division in New Zealand.
