Philip Gregan, the long-serving chief executive of New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW), has announced that he will retire in June 2026, bringing to a close more than four decades of service to the country’s wine industry.

Gregan first joined the Wine Institute in 1983 as a research officer, fresh out of university, before rising to become CEO in the early 1990s. He played a key role in international trade negotiations during a period when New Zealand’s wine industry was evolving from a domestic focus to a major global player.

In 2002, Gregan oversaw the merger of the Wine Institute and the Grape Growers Council to form New Zealand Winegrowers Inc, where he was appointed CEO of the new organisation. Under his leadership, New Zealand wine has become an international success story, with over 90% of production now exported to more than 100 countries, generating $2.1 billion in export revenue in 2024.

Fabian Yukich, chair of NZW, said: “This remarkable tenure reflects a working lifetime of unwavering commitment and immense contribution. Philip advised the board of his intentions some time ago. Today’s announcement reflects his consideration to ensure sufficient time to appoint a suitably qualified successor and allow for a seamless handover.”

Reflecting on his career, Gregan added that “There have been many highlights over the years, but without doubt the biggest highlight has been the privilege of working with and for our brilliant growers and winemakers. Their passionate commitment to everything that New Zealand wine stands for continues to inspire me. It has been a privilege to work on behalf of the wine industry for so long. I look forward to handing over to my successor so they can help the industry further build its reputation and global success in the years ahead.”

New Zealand Winegrowers represents over 600 growers and 700 wineries. Wine is the country’s sixth-largest export good, producing just over 1% of global production.