As the Bragato Research Institute (BRI) looks towards its seventh year of operation in 2024, an exciting opportunity has arisen to take the leadership reins of one of New Zealand’s most innovative, industry-led research organisations.
CEO, Jeffrey Clarke, has announced he has accepted a new role, and he is looking forward to passing the baton on to his successor.
“It has been a privilege to play my part in the success of BRI to date. From its earliest beginnings, the Board has set itself aspirational goals, with a clear strategy on how to reach them. Designed to lead the wine industry into the future with cutting edge research, I am very proud of the current status of our key projects. Funding, resources, and an exceptional team are in place, and we have projects with five and seven-year timeframes. A major highlight during my tenure has been sequencing the sauvignon blanc reference genome – a world first!”, says Mr Clarke.
With three recent new Board appointments, BRI is set for a year of renewed enthusiasm, expertise, and an ongoing commitment to bridging the needs of the New Zealand wine industry with science and innovation. BRI will continue to work with central and local government to advocate for research that has long-term positive consequences for New Zealand’s wine industry – one of the country’s fastest growing exports by value.
BRI Chair, Mark Gilbert says “We have the utmost respect for the contribution Jeffrey has made to BRI.
His prior experience as General Manager Advocacy and General Counsel for New Zealand Winegrowers was invaluable over his almost three years as CEO; forging relationships with government agencies, securing funding, and managing the rapid increase of staff. Recruitment for a new CEO will commence in January, and it is our hope to attract a highly qualified science leader to help take us on the next phase of the wine industry’s innovation journey”.
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For further information contact:
Mark Gilbert
Chairman I Bragato Research Institute
+64 21 972 244
mhggilbert@gmail.com