News

Sarah Harrison named Masters of Wine executive director

27 October 2025 By Patrick Schmitt

Head of operations at The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW), Sarah Harrison has been promoted to the position of executive director at the organisation.

According to the IMW, the appointment followed a highly competitive recruitment process and is effective immediately.

In a missive sent to the drinks business this morning, the institute noted that Harrison brings a unique understanding of the organisation, having served as IMW head of operations since 2020, and interim executive director since June of this year.

As head of operations, Harrison oversaw all components of the Master of Wine (MW) study programme and exam, coordinating students, MWs, IMW supporters and the executive team, during which time she earned “widespread respect from all quarters”.

Prior to this, Harrison 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.

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MW 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.”

Harrison added: “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.”

Concluding. she said, “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.”

Working alongside the IMW’s council, Harrison is tasked with steering the institute’s global strategy, stakeholder relations and operations, and ensuring that the IMW continues to thrive as a “beacon of excellence” in the global wine community.

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