Anishka Jelicich has pledged to “listen, learn and spend time with people across the industry,” as she begins in her new role as CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW), following an international wine career spanning more than two decades.
Jelicich replaces Philip Gregan, who spent 24 years at the helm of the organisation, steering the ship of New Zealand’s wine sector through successful eras and challenging periods like the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, before stepping down in June.
“We are very pleased to have Anishka join us as CEO,” said NZW chair Fabian Yukich, commenting on Jelicich’s new position. “She brings a deep understanding of the New Zealand wine industry, combined with extensive global experience and strong leadership capability. Her strategic perspective and ability to build alignment across stakeholders will be invaluable as we navigate both the opportunities and challenges ahead for our sector.”
Jelicich takes on the role from her former Paris-based position as global director of responsible marketing and sales for French wine and spirits company Pernod Ricard. The native New Zealander has moved to Auckland to work out of NZW’s head office.
Reflecting on her new role, Jelicich said: “Having spent much of my career working internationally in the global wine and drinks sector, I’ve had the privilege of seeing New Zealand wine through the eyes of the world. Time and again I’ve seen the extraordinary respect our wines, our people and our industry command globally.
“That perspective has only deepened a connection that is both personal and professional, making it a real privilege to join an organisation that has helped shape one of New Zealand’s great success stories through the leadership of Philip Gregan, the NZW Board, the NZW team, our members and those who have contributed over many years.”
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Understanding what matters most
Looking ahead, she added: “Today, New Zealand wine is the country’s eighth largest export, generating approximately NZ$2.1 billion annually, with our distinctive, refreshing and sustainable wines enjoyed by consumers in more than 100 markets around the world.
“My first priority is therefore to listen, learn and spend time with people across the industry, understanding what matters most before we write the next chapter together.”
In an exclusive interview with the drinks business just months before he steps down, Gregan revealed that he was “looking forward to the change” of retirement.
“I’ve had a hugely enjoyable involvement in the industry for over 40 years but it is time to step back,” he said, before admitting he doesn’t have any firm plans for what comes next. “I have listened to advice from colleagues to take my time before deciding,” he added.
In this time in the trade, Gregan witnessed the astonishing rise of New Zealand wine from having “practically no level of recognition in international markets” to exporting 288.772 million litres of wine in 2025, according to the latest New Zealand Winegrowers Annual Report.
“When I joined the wine industry in 1983, we were a small domestically-focused industry, with only about 100 wineries and less than 5,000 ha of grapes,” he told db. “Back then, fortified wines were still a huge part of the sector, something that is virtually non-existent today. We now export $NZ 2.1 billion worth of wine to more than 100 countries.”
