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New Zealand Wine chief executive Philip Gregan is to retire next year bringing to a close 43 years in the sector.
He has spent his whole professional career working for the wine sector, starting in 1983 when he joined the Wine Institute as a research officer straight out of university.
His love of statistics, and his strategic intellect, proved invaluable and some 10 years later he was appointed chief executive of the Wine Institute.
That entity played an integral role in New Zealand wine’s international trade negotiations, which resulted in the formation of the World Wine Trade Group. In 2002, the Wine Institute merged with the Grape Growers Council to form New Zealand Winegrowers, with Gregan appointed chief executive.
“The 1990s was an exciting time as the world opened for New Zealand exporters,” Gregan said.
“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 $2 billion per year.
“Our wines now help define the reputation of New Zealand as a country around the world.”
He rates his biggest highlight working with and for growers and winemakers.
“Their passionate commitment to everything that New Zealand wine stands for continues to inspire me.”
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