Adrian Garforth MW elected Chairman of the IMW
Adrian Garforth MW has been elected the Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine. Adrian, the 54th Chairman of the IMW, is the CEO of Yealands Wine Group, New Zealand’s 5th largest producer exporting wine to over 80 countries.
Adrian takes over the role of Chairman from Jane Masters MW, whose tenure came to an end today. Speaking after his appointment was confirmed, Adrian said: “I’ve been a proud Member of the Institute of Masters of Wine for over 25 years, and am delighted to become Chairman at such a buoyant time in its history.”
A biochemistry graduate from Bath University, Adrian has worked in the wine industry for over 30 years holding senior operational and commercial roles, and set up his own business in 2003. He has worked in South Africa, London, Jamaica and Russia, before the move to New Zealand as Yealand’s CEO. He became an MW in 1993, whilst working for Diageo, winning the Safeway Award for Marketing. In South Africa he was a key part of the team that established Spier Wine Group before opening up the first WSET wine school in Russia as well as the first fine wine importing company in Jamaica.
As Chairman, Adrian will head up the IMW’s Council, a board of 12 international Masters of Wine, who are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the IMW. There are currently 380 MWs working in 30 countries.
ENDS
For more information contact:
Sarah Kirkpatrick
Head of Marketing, Communications and Membership
Institute of Masters of Wine
+44 (0)207 383 9131
skirkpatrick@mastersofwine.org