Caroline Hermann MW elected IMW chair

Caroline Hermann MW, who has served as vice-chair since 2024, becomes the 58th chair of the IMW and will head up the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)’s council.

The IMW council is an international board that includes nine elected Masters of Wine (MWs) who are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the IMW, representing the interests of the Institute’s 427 members based across 31 countries. Caroline replaces outgoing chair, Roderick Smith MW, whose two-year tenure officially ended at the IMW’s annual general meeting on 23 September.

Alongside her role on the IMW council, Caroline chairs the Institute’s sustainability committee and previously chaired its governance committee. She became a Master of Wine in 2018 and brings a unique perspective to the wine world as an attorney with a focus on corporate sustainability, environmental law and international trade. Her wine journey began in 2005 in wine retail and has seen her serve as a U.S. federal regulator managing the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) Import/Export Program for wine, beer and spirits. Among her current roles, Caroline teaches wine and sake professionals at the Capital Wine School, consults for wineries and hospitality, and judges international wine competitions.

Hermann takes on the role of IMW chair at an exciting time for the Institute, as it prepares to bring the global wine community together for its 11th International Symposium in Adelaide, Australia next April.

Speaking on her appointment as IMW chair, Caroline said, “It is a tremendous honour to take on the role of chair of the Institute of Masters of Wine. The IMW represents an extraordinary global community, brought together by a shared pursuit of knowledge and excellence across all facets of the wine world. I look forward to working with council and our members to continue building on their past achievements and ensure the IMW community continues to have a distinctive and influential voice in the world of wine.”

Outgoing Chair Rod Smith MW said: “Serving as chair of the Institute of Masters of Wine has been a privilege. I am proud of what we have achieved together and, above all, of the commitment and energy I have seen across our global community of Masters of Wine. The Institute is in safe hands with Caroline, and I wish her and council every success as they continue to shape the IMW’s future.”