IMW appoints new executive director

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 07 March, 2019

Rufus Olins has taken the top job at The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW).

Olins will replace Penny Richards, who resigned from the role of executive director in November to take up a new role in London.

After starting out as a journalist and editor working for The Sunday Times, Olins then became managing director of Lord Heseltine’s Haymarket Brand Media and CEO at the World Advertising Research Centre, an international data business for marketers and academics.

He also counts heading up Newsworks, the membership body for the UK’s national newspapers, and the Co-op Group as chief membership officer among his many roles.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Institute of Masters of Wine and building on the excellent work of Penny Richards and the team,” Olins said. “I cannot think of a more important time to join such a multi-faceted industry encompassing geography, science, history, climate, fashion, economics and the sheer pleasure of drinking wine.”

Adrian Garforth MW, chairman of the IMW added: “An extensive global search gave us a solid pool of candidates, from both in and out of the wine world, and Rufus was the stand-out candidate in that strong field. He comes with vast expertise, especially with membership organisations, which is very exciting for the IMW.”

Olins will officially join the IMW on April 28.

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