New Zealander nominated for top global wine role

New Zealander nominated for top global wine role

New Zealand Winegrowers welcomes the New Zealand government’s nomination of Dr John Barker as a candidate for the role of Director General of the International Organisation of Vine & Wine (OIV).

The OIV is the inter-governmental scientific and technical reference body for wine. Based in Paris, with 46 members accounting for more than 85% of global wine production and nearly 80% of world consumption, it is sometimes called the ‘UN of wine’.

“Dr Barker is an ideal candidate. He has deep understanding and expertise in the global vine and wine sector built on 20 years of experience,” said CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers, Philip Gregan.

“At a time when the global trade environment is rapidly changing, Dr Barker would bring a keen appreciation of the importance of international cooperation to the role.

“Dr Barker has been at the forefront of major technical, policy and trade developments that have supported the success of the New Zealand wine industry. He has a unique global perspective from his experience across many grape and wine producing countries and his leadership roles in the OIV and other international wine sector organisations.

“The New Zealand wine sector fully supports Dr Barker’s vision of an inclusive and outward-facing OIV, that is the trusted vine and wine reference body for a rapidly changing world,” said Mr Gregan.

-ENDS-

Dr Barker is a lawyer and consultant specialising in the wine sector. He has represented New Zealand as an expert delegate at the OIV for 12 years, and was President of the OIV’s Law and Economy Commission from 2009 to 2012. He is the primary external counsel to New Zealand Winegrowers and advises clients throughout the wine world.
The current Director General, M. Jean-Marie Aurand of France, will step down from his role in December 2018, after serving a five year term. The election will be held in July 2018. If elected, Dr Barker would be the first person from outside Europe to hold the role.

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