Sarah Harrison appointed Institute of Masters of Wine executive director
LONDON, UK, 27 OCTOBER 2025 — The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Harrison as its executive director. Working alongside the IMW’s council, Sarah will steer the Institute’s global strategy, stakeholder relations and operations, ensuring the IMW continues to thrive as a beacon of excellence, interaction and learning across the global wine community. The appointment follows a highly competitive recruitment process and is effective immediately.
Having served as IMW head of operations since 2020, and interim executive director since June of this year, Sarah brings a unique understanding of the IMW and its stakeholders to the role. As head of operations, Sarah oversaw all components of the prestigious Master of Wine (MW) study programme and exam, coordinating students, MWs, IMW supporters and the executive team, and earning widespread respect from all quarters.
Prior to this, Sarah worked extensively in leadership roles across the membership and educational sectors, including positions as head of learning design and accreditation at the Chartered College of Teaching and associate director, headship of programmes at the Ambition Institute.
IMW Chair Roderick Smith said: “It is with very great pleasure and pride that the Institute of Masters of Wine has appointed Sarah Harrison as our next executive director. Sarah has done an excellent job as interim executive director, and we are thrilled to be able to appoint her permanently to the role. I look forward to working together further.”
Sarah Harrison said: “I am truly honoured to have been appointed executive director of the Institute of Masters of Wine, and look forward to working closely with our members, supporters, executive team and the wider industry to lead the IMW to continued success. At a time of significant challenge for the wine trade, I believe that the IMW’s global community of exceptional wine professionals—and its focus on excellence, interaction and learning—is more important than ever.”
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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/