The 21st OIV General Assembly, Meeting in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, Has Elected Doctor John Barker, from New Zealand, on Friday 9 June 2023.
June 9th – John Barker, PhD, has been elected with 139,4 of the total 142,8 weighed votes. 46 out of 47 eligible Member States have voted for him. The new DG will start his mandate in January 2024, the “International Year of Vine and Wine” and when the organisation celebrates its centenary.
John Barker was born 7 October 1968 in New Zealand. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Law and Arts in the University of Auckland where he concluded a doctoral research in Law and Geography, entitled: “Different Worlds: Law and the Changing Geographies of Wine in France and New Zealand” – a PhD Thesis in Partnership with INRA-ENESAD, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France,– from where he will lead the Organisation for the next five years.
John Barker PhD, knows the Organisation from its core, starting as a New Zealand expert in 2005, presiding over the Law and Economy Commission (2009-12), then taking the role of Vice-President of the Commission (2012-2014). After running for the DG position in 2018, he continued his work as an OIV expert and as a recognised wine lawyer.
He has combined his role as an expert and president of the commission with his work as General Manager Advocacy for New Zealand Winegrowers (2004-2014). During those years, he was responsible for managing the relationship with government and industry stakeholders, international affairs, all regulatory and membership matters affecting the wine sector, and the Wine Export Certification Service.
As a consultant in his current role, he has advised clients from many countries including New Zealand, Australia, UK, USA, France, Georgia, Moldova, Canada, Singapore and Japan.
“The power of the OIV is that it can take the lead on each of these elements at the international intergovernmental level. For me personally it is very motivating to have the chance to bring my experience and commitment to such an organisation”, said Dr Barker in his candidacy speech.
“I want to express my gratitude to the membership for the confidence and trust placed in me to take on the role of DG in 2024. It will be a great privilege to serve the OIV… and I look forward to working with you and progressing the interests of the OIV and vine and wine sector in the centenary year”, concluded Dr Barker in his acceptance speech.
