The News
New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) has appointed Anishka Jelicich as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective July 2026. She will transition from her role at Pernod Ricard in Paris, where she served as Global Director for Responsible Marketing & Sales, to lead NZW from its Auckland headquarters. The appointment follows a period of growth and challenge for the New Zealand wine industry.
The Takeaway
- Global Experience: Anishka brings over two decades of leadership experience across New Zealand, the UK, and Europe, with a key role at Pernod Ricard as Global Director for Responsible Marketing & Sales. Her international background positions her to navigate global market challenges.
- Strategic Leadership: The appointment comes amid uncertainty in the wine industry, with NZW seeking fresh direction after three decades of export growth. Anishka’s experience in shaping policy and strategy between industry, government, and markets makes her a strong candidate for guiding New Zealand wine into its next phase.
- Industry Transition: With New Zealand's wine sector facing pressures like global economic shifts and sustainability demands, the new CEO is expected to bring a unified vision. Her return home signals a focus on strengthening New Zealand’s premium, sustainable brand in international markets.
Original Press Release
New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Anishka Jelicich as its next Chief Executive Officer, commencing at the end of July 2026.
Anishka brings more than two decades of leadership experience across New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Europe, shaping her career in the global wine industry. Her roles at a senior executive level have placed her at the strategic intersection of industry, government and international markets. She will be exiting her Paris-based role with Pernod Ricard as Global Director, Responsible Marketing & Sales, and will be returning home to New Zealand to be based at the NZW head office in Auckland.
The announcement comes at an important moment for New Zealand’s wine industry. After more than three decades of export growth, New Zealand continues to build its global reputation for distinctive, premium and sustainable wines. The industry’s long-term prospects remain positive, with growth across export markets a strong indicator of consumer preference for New Zealand wine. However, the sector is navigating a period of heightened global uncertainty, with a range of serious pressures currently facing growers and winemakers. Against this backdrop, the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer brings an opportunity for a fresh perspective, renewed focus and a clear, united vision for the industry.
Chair Fabian Yukich said the Board was seeking a leader who understood the wine industry, could bring a global perspective, strong stakeholder capability, and strategic clarity to the role.
“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. She offers strong credentials in navigating complex international environments, a deep understanding of policy and trade, and a proven ability to build alignment across diverse stakeholders. We are delighted with her deep connection to New Zealand, and her passion for our world-renowned wines. She has a clear commitment to the future, with the strategic foresight needed to lead our organisation into its next chapter.”
Anishka says she is honoured to be appointed to the role and looks forward to her commencement in four months’ time.
“The New Zealand wine industry is globally respected, and it plays an important role in our nation’s economy and communities. 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, positioning it strongly for the future.”
The Board also acknowledged the outstanding contribution of departing CEO 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,” said Fabian Yukich.
Source: BevNET
