Julian Gore-Booth announced as the new IMW executive director
The Institute of Masters of Wine is pleased to announce the appointment of Julian Gore-Booth as its new executive director, to replace the departing Adrian Garforth MW. Julian’s employment with the IMW will commence in mid-October.
Previously chief executive officer of the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists, Julian comes to the IMW with years of experience in a fast-moving, international members’ organisation. Like the IMW, the WFSA is a pinnacle body that works through and for a committed network of specialists focusing on education, networking and advocacy. Julian grew the WFSA in stature and financial stability. He steered it through the covid pandemic, successfully implementing a move to hybrid working that mirrors the evolving education programme of the IMW.
Before his time at the WFSA, Julian had a diverse career in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Latin America with a range of international organisations, including Leonard Cheshire Disability, the Saïd Foundation, the United Nations and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
He studied for his Geography master’s degree in Edinburgh, where he first developed his interest in, and enjoyment of, wine.
Julian said, “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the executive director of the IMW and look forward to being part of an organisation that places such high value on excellence, interaction and learning.”
ENDS
For more information contact:
Belinda Eaton
Marketing and Communications Manager
Institute of Masters of Wine
+44 (0)207 383 9136
beaton@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 almost 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 promote 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 415 Masters of Wine working in 31 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, educators and more. There are 349 students from 40 countries in the 2022-23 MW study programme. The IMW works with 36 supporters and three research and industry associates, who help promote the IMW’s mission. The five principal supporters are Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Constellation Brands, the Madame Bollinger Foundation, and Waitrose and Partners.