Former New Zealand Winegrowers general counsel Dr John Barker has been elected director general of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).
New Zealand Winegrowers CEO Phil Gregan said Barker has a deep appreciation of the history and traditions of the global vine and wine sector.
He also recognises the current opportunities and challenges the industry is experiencing today.
Barker was formerly NZ Winegrower’s general counsel and general manager advocacy from 2004 to 2014.
He has had a long involvement with the OIV, attending his first OIV meeting in 2000 while researching his PhD thesis on the international regulation of the wine sector.
He was appointed an expert delegate for NZ in 2004 and has actively participated in the OIV for 17 years in various roles, including president of the Law and Economy Commission.
Barker said he was honoured to be elected.
“I thank the New Zealand Government and New Zealand Winegrowers for their support.
“I believe that it is essential for the global wine sector to have a modern, effective and representative international organisation, and I look forward to working together on the opportunities and challenges facing our industry like the digital economy, climate change and the role of wine in society.”
