Ian Harris MBE has been appointed master of the Worshipful Company of Vintners, becoming the 531st person to hold the role. 

Succeeding Richard Wilson MBE DL VR, Harris will represent the Company over the coming year, supporting its work across the wine trade, education, charitable giving and fellowship. 

In doing so, he joins a tradition spanning more than 650 years. The Vintners’ Company is one of the oldest livery companies in the City of London, with origins dating back to the medieval wine trade. 

Harris has worked in the wine industry for almost five decades and was awarded an MBE for services to the wine and spirits industry. He also served as chief executive of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) from 2002 to 2022. 

The Vintners’ Company said his experience at the WSET makes him an ideal choice for the role, reflecting the long-standing relationship between the two organisations. 

On his installation, Harris said: “It is a tremendous honour to serve as master of the Vintners’ Company and I look forward to representing the Company over the coming year and working with fellow members, our excellent internal team, the City of London Corporation and other partners.  

“I am particularly looking forward to the many wine industry events which will take place during my year.”