New Zealand Winegrowers CEO Philip Gregan will retire after 43 years with the organisation representing the country’s grape-growing and wine-production sector.
Gregan joined the organisation as a researcher in 1983, when New Zealand’s wine industry was focused on the domestic market. He was appointed CEO in 1989, leading an organisation with three staff members at the time. New Zealand Winegrowers now employs about 40 people across New Zealand and overseas offices and represents around 600 grape growers and 700 winemakers.
During Gregan’s tenure, New Zealand’s wine industry grew into an export sector worth about $2.4 billion, with nearly 90 per cent of production exported. He also represented the sector in international trade negotiations, including the establishment of the World Wine Trade Group.
Ahead of his retirement, Gregan received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Drinks Business. He said the award also recognised the contribution of the industry’s growers, wineries, importers, distributors, retailers and media partners.
“Their commitment to what New Zealand wine stands for continues to inspire me,” Gregan said. He said he decided to retire because ‘it was simply the right time’.
New Zealand Winegrowers chair Fabian Yukich said Gregan’s tenure reflected “a working lifetime of unwavering commitment and immense contribution”. Anishka Jelicich, currently Pernod Ricard’s global marketing and sales director, will succeed Gregan as CEO.
Gregan said New Zealand’s wine industry is facing challenges including oversupply and lower global wine consumption. However, he said he remains positive about the sector’s long-term export prospects, citing continued demand for New Zealand’s wine style, particularly sauvignon blanc, and the country’s cool-climate growing conditions. He also said wine tourism through cellar doors remains an important part of the sector.
“The New Zealand style of wine is in increased demand,” he said.
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