First non-UK Chairman for IMW

Dr Josef (Pepi) Schuller MW has been elected as the chairman of The Institute of Masters of Wine. Austrian Schuller is The Institute’s first non-UK chairman. He is the head of the Austrian Wine Academy which provides wine education in Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

Of his elected post, Schuller said: "My appointment as chairman is a signal to the international wine community that the Institute of Masters of Wine is determined to continue to develop what started 20 years ago with the first non-British MW: to be a leading, truly global and relevant institute, promoting excellence in wine.”

The Institute has also made several other appointments, with Lynne Sherriff MW elected as its new vice chairman. Lynne is an independent wine consultant based in London.

“I am very excited at the prospect of being the vice chairman who will serve as deputy to the Institute’s first non-UK chairman," said Sheriff. "I believe the Institute is at a key crossroads in its development and that it faces a lot of challenges going forward.  It will be a privilege to be part of that development and growth."

In addition to these appointments, two new members have also been elected to the Institute’s council. Dermot Nolan MW is a wine educator based in Ireland, and Sarah Jane Evans MW is a freelance wine and food writer, based in the UK.

Alexis Hercules 17/09/08