IMW Executive Director resignation announcement
It is with sadness that we announce that Penny Richards, Executive Director at the Institute of Masters of Wine will be leaving the organisation at the end of the year. Penny has resigned after leading the IMW for more than five years to take up a new role in London.
Said Adrian Garforth MW, Chairman of the IMW, “Penny has been the driving force behind the Executive Team who have delivered unprecedented success within the IMW over the last few years. We wish her the best of luck as she leaves to become the Managing Director of the Aspen Institute in the UK, a nonpartisan forum for values-based leadership and the exchange of ideas.
“On behalf of the IMW, I would like to thank Penny for her commitment, dedication and tireless efforts. The IMW’s reputation and global interest in the study programme has never been higher. The foundations are now in place for the next exciting stage of its development. I personally wish her every success in her new role.”
Penny joined the IMW in May 2013 after a long career as a journalist working in foreign news at the BBC. She was also the Head of Communications and Advocacy for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in India, and the COO for The Elders, a group of former world leaders working together for peace and human rights.
Penny Richards said, “I have loved my time at the IMW, and will carry with me so many joyous memories of friendships made and wines shared. I will continue to marvel at how much each Master of Wine gives to their Institute and their community, and am glad to have been part of it at such a positive time in its history.”
Over the next few months, the IMW will be conducting a search to find the new Executive Director, led by IMW Chairman Adrian Garforth MW, in conjunction with recruiters Ellwood Atfield. In the meantime, Olivier Chapman, Head of Study Programme and Development, will be the acting Executive Director until a successor is appointed
ENDS
For more information contact:
Sarah Kirkpatrick
Head of Marketing, Communications and Membership
Institute of Masters of Wine
+44 (0)207 383 9131
skirkpatrick@mastersofwine.org