IN BREVE
- Sarah Harrison is the new Executive Director of the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW).
- She joined in 2020 and has served as interim executive director since last June.
- Harrison will ensure excellence and education within the global wine community.
The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has appointed Sarah Harrison as its new Executive Director. The appointment, effective immediately, follows a highly competitive selection process. Harrison will lead the institute’s global strategy, stakeholder relations, and operations. The goal is to strengthen the IMW’s role as a benchmark for excellence and education in the global wine community.
LEADING IMW OPERATIONS SINCE 2020
Having joined the organization in 2020 as head of operations and interim executive director since last June, Sarah Harrison brings a deep understanding of the IMW’s internal workings and its stakeholders. In her previous role, she oversaw the entire journey of the prestigious study program and the Master of Wine examination, coordinating students, members, and supporters of the institute.
Her work, recognized and valued within the MW community, has allowed her to strengthen the network of relationships among wine professionals and maintain the high academic standards of the program.
A PROFILE OF EXPERIENCE IN EDUCATION AND GOVERNANCE
Before joining the IMW, Harrison held senior roles in the education and professional association sectors. She was head of instructional design and accreditation at the Chartered College of Teaching and associate director, head of programs, at the Ambition Institute.
STATEMENTS FROM THE IMW AND SARAH HARRISON
The Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine, Roderick Smith, commented: “It is with immense 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 on a permanent basis. I look forward to further collaboration.”
The new executive director stated: “I am truly honored to have been appointed executive director of the Institute of Masters of Wine. I look forward to working closely with our members, supporters, the executive team, and the wider industry to lead the IMW toward continued success. At a time of great challenge for the wine industry, I believe the IMW’s global community of exceptional wine professionals and its focus on excellence, interaction, and learning are more important than ever.”
