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.”