New leader appointed at time of serious pressures

New Zealand Winegrowers has appointed Anishka Jelicich as its next CEO.

She will take up the role at the end of July 2026, and comes with more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in the global wine industry across NZ, the United Kingdom and Europe.

The move comes at a time of heightened global uncertainty and serious pressures for growers and winemakers.

Jelicich is currently global director responsible marketing and sales at Pernod Ricard in Paris. She will leave that position and return home to NZ to be based at the NZ Winegrowers head office in Auckland.

NZ Winegrowers chair Fabian Yukich says the board sought a leader with deep industry knowledge, a global perspective, strong stakeholder skills and strategic clarity. Jelicich stood out as the ideal candidate.

She combines a thorough understanding of the NZ wine industry with extensive international experience, and has strong credentials in complex global environments, policy, trade and building alignment among diverse stakeholders.

Yukich says the board is delighted with her deep connection to NZ and her passion for its wines.

Her appointment follows retirement of long-serving chief executive Philip Gregan after more than 40 years with the organisation.

“The NZ wine industry is globally respected, and plays an important role in our nation’s economy and communities,” Yukich says.

“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, and opportunities, and positioning it strongly for the future.”