New Zealand Winegrowers has confirmed details of its next lead, with Anishka Jelicich set to jump the fence from brand owner to industry trade association.
Jelicich (below) is set to join the organisation as CEO in July after 16 years with Pernod Ricard. She will fill the vacancy created last year when Philip Gregan announced he would step down in June, having been with NZW since 1983.
Jelicich’s time with Pernod Ricard dates back to 2010, when she joined the group’s Winemakers unit in New Zealand as public affairs manager. Seven years later, she headed to London to join the Chivas Brothers scotch whisky division as public affairs director.
A further three years in the UK capital working across Chivas Brothers as well as Pernod Ricard’s UK and global travel retail business units was followed by a move to corporate headquarters in Paris three years ago to become global director for responsible marketing & sales.
“Anishka was a stand-out candidate for us with her deep understanding of the New Zealand wine industry, combined with extensive global knowledge and experience,” said NZW chair Fabian Yukich. “She offers strong credentials in navigating complex international environments, a deep understanding of policy and trade, and a proven ability to build alignment across diverse stakeholders.
“She has a clear commitment to the future, with the strategic foresight needed to lead our organisation into its next chapter.”
Last month, brand owner Vinarchy appointed longstanding Nestlé employee Nicole Battistessa as the MD of its operations in Australia and New Zealand.
