Former tourism boss joins Wine Marlborough board
The former tourism boss for Marlborough has joined the team behind promoting Marlborough as New Zealand’s leading wine region.
Former Destination Marlborough general manager Tracy Johnston was voted onto the Wine Marlborough board last month.
Johnston resigned from Destination Marlborough in May after eight years with the regional tourism organisation.
Elected within the grapegrower category, Johnston and her husband Kevin own Dayvinleigh Vineyard on the banks of the Wairau River.
Johnston said it was a privilege to join the Wine Marlborough board.
‘‘I have a background in destination management and marketing, it’s a really nice continuation of the work I’ve been doing over the eight years working at Destination Marlborough. I can transfer those skills to the wine industry.
‘‘Marlborough wine is one of the region’s key selling points, so definitely it’s infused into the work we were doing promoting Marlborough as a visitor destination.’’
Wine Marlborough general manager Marcus Pickens said Johnston was an asset to the small, voluntary group experts.
‘‘She’s a very experienced general manager. She’s stepped away from that and we’re really lucky to have someone with that experience, and the good governance skills, as that is the job.’’
She was elected alongside familiar faces Jack Glover and Stu Dudley who were up for re-election following the end of their first three-year term.
Simon Bishell stepped down as deputy chair, with Dudley stepping into the role.
The board would be led by new chairman Tom Trolove, replacing Rhyan Wardman, who would remain on the board.
Pickens said he appreciated of industry each member’s commitment to protecting and strengthening the Marlborough wine industry, and in doing so, the national wine sector.
‘‘Marlborough has such a big stake in the New Zealand wine market.
‘‘There’s quite a commitment [with this role], I probably can’t stress that enough with their contribution.’’
‘‘As general manager, I’m really privileged to be able to draw on their experience and their scan of the industry.’’
Pickens said the board was ‘‘considering their steps’’ for filling the vacancy for the 10th board member at their next board meeting.