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Anishka Jelicich
Anishka Jelicich will become New Zealand Winegrowers chief executive at the end of July.
“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,” says NZW board chair Fabian Yukich, noting that the board sought a leader who understood the wine industry, and could offer a global perspective, strong stakeholder capability and strategic clarity to the role.
Anishka, who brings more than two decades of leadership experience across New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Europe, will leave a Paris-based role as Pernod Ricard Global Director Responsible for Marketing & Sales, to return home to New Zealand, where she will be based at the NZW head office in Auckland.
“I am looking forward to serving and supporting the interests of our members and working closely with the Board and the NZW team to support the industry through its current challenges, opportunities, and positioning it strongly for the future,” she says.
The board also acknowledged the “outstanding” contribution of departing Chief Executive Philip Gregan, who will retire at the end of June, after 43 years of service to the organisation.
“Philip’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the modern New Zealand wine industry, while establishing NZW as one of the most respected wine industry organisations in the world,” Fabian says.
OPINION: Growing great grapes takes hard work and heavy investment, with a post-harvest marathon of pruning and maintenance, frost defence and yield management, and the relentless spraying, mowing and trimming of the growing season, before vintage lands again.
Under pressure wine growers say the appointment of a new chief executive will bring a fresh perspective, renewed focus, and a clear, united vision for the industry.
When Philip Gregan stepped into the New Zealand wine industry in 1983, it was awash with Müller Thurgau but rich with potential.
New Zealand Winegrowers chief executive Philip Gregan has announced his plans to retire in June 2026, marking 43 years of service to the New Zealand wine industry.
Over the past three years or so, the New Zealand Winegrowers Board has consulted with members on proposals to reform NZW with the simple goal of ensuring the future organisation is fit for purpose.
