Caroline Hermann MW elected chair of the Institute of Masters of Wine
LONDON, UK, 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 — Members of the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) have elected Caroline Hermann MW as the new chair of the organisation. Caroline, who has served as vice-chair since 2024, becomes the 58th chair of the IMW and will head up the Institute’s council.
The IMW council is an international board that includes nine elected Masters of Wine (MWs) who are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the IMW, representing the interests of the Institute’s 427 members based across 31 countries. Caroline replaces outgoing chair, Roderick Smith MW, whose two-year tenure officially ended at the IMW’s annual general meeting on 23 September.
Alongside her role on the IMW council, Caroline chairs the Institute’s sustainability committee and previously chaired its governance committee. She became a Master of Wine in 2018 and brings a unique perspective to the wine world as an attorney with a focus on corporate sustainability, environmental law and international trade. Her wine journey began in 2005 in wine retail and has seen her serve as a U.S. federal regulator managing the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) Import/Export Program for wine, beer and spirits. Among her current roles, Caroline teaches wine and sake professionals at the Capital Wine School, consults for wineries and hospitality, and judges international wine competitions.
Hermann takes on the role of IMW chair at an exciting time for the Institute, as it prepares to bring the global wine community together for its 11th International Symposium in Adelaide, Australia next April.
Speaking on her appointment as IMW chair, Caroline said, “It is a tremendous honour to take on the role of chair of the Institute of Masters of Wine. The IMW represents an extraordinary global community, brought together by a shared pursuit of knowledge and excellence across all facets of the wine world. I look forward to working with council and our members to continue building on their past achievements and ensure the IMW community continues to have a distinctive and influential voice in the world of wine.”
Outgoing Chair Rod Smith MW said: “Serving as chair of the Institute of Masters of Wine has been a privilege. I am proud of what we have achieved together and, above all, of the commitment and energy I have seen across our global community of Masters of Wine. The Institute is in safe hands with Caroline, and I wish her and council every success as they continue to shape the IMW’s future.”
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ENDS
For more information contact:
Laura Coles
Head of Marketing and Engagement
Institute of Masters of Wine
+44 (0)207 383 9136
lcoles@mastersofwine.org
Notes to editors:
About the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)
The IMW is a membership organisation with an exceptional international reputation. For more than 70 years, its members—the Masters of Wine (MWs)—have been at the forefront of leadership and expertise in the world of wine. The IMW’s mission is to foster excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. MWs prove their comprehensive understanding of wine by passing the MW exam, recognised worldwide for its rigour and exacting standards. In addition to passing the exam, members must sign the code of conduct before they are entitled to use the initials MW. This requires them to uphold the highest standards of commercial conduct within the industry. Today, there are 427 Masters of Wine working in 31 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, educators and more. There are 320 students from 46 countries in the 2025-26 MW study programme. The IMW works with 38 supporters and four research and industry associates, who help promote the IMW’s mission. The five principal supporters are Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Champagne Bollinger, Constellation Brands and VSPT Wine Group. The IMW’s International Symposium is a highlight of the global wine calendar, bringing together leading figures from across the industry. The 11th International Symposium will take place in Adelaide, South Australia, in April 2027, offering four days of world-class tastings, thought-provoking presentations, debate and opportunities to explore Australia’s diverse wine regions. Find out more here: https://imwsymposium.com/