Sarah Rowley Adams

Senior Communications Advisor

Sarah Rowley Adams is the Senior Communications Advisor at BRI. She previously worked at New Zealand Winegrowers as the Communications and Digital Advisor, where she led the digital communications, social media strategy and website.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours and has seven years of communications and content experience at well-known New Zealand export brands. Her previous roles were held at Yealands Wine Group as Digital Content Specialist, and Trilogy Natural Skincare as Communications Coordinator. She is passionate about digital storytelling and helping brands communicate, educate, and connect with audiences.

Email:  sarah.rowley@bri.co.nz

Stephanie Flores

Project Manager

Stephanie joined BRI in 2020 to lead the communications function through the establishment phase of the organisation, then served as Science Strategy Advisor to assist with funding and strategy for the next wave of the industry’s major research programmes.

Stephanie also launched the New Zealand Wine Futures Fund, to seek collaborations and novel ideas for the wine research ecosystem.

Now a Project Manager, she’s overseeing projects from the Futures Fund, as well as overseeing the conclusion of the Vineyard Ecosystems, the Pinot Noir Programme and their spin-off projects.

Stephanie’s passion is environmental management, with a focus on the business case for restoring natural capital. A former accountant, she holds a Master’s in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Master’s in Environmental Management and Policy from Lincoln University.

Email stephanie.flores@bri.co.nz

Katie Wilson

Office Manager

Katie has 5+ years in Office Management & Administration as well as previous background in the Fitness Industry.

Email:  katie.wilson@bri.co.nz

Dr Carmo Vasconcelos

Extension Specialist

She began her studies with a degree in Agriculture Engineering at the Technical University of Lisbon, before moving to Switzerland to continue at Zurich’s Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH). She obtained her PhD in grapevine physiology in 1990, conducting her research at the Swiss Federal Research Station for Fruit Growing, Viticulture and Horticulture in Wädenswil.  Following her graduate studies, Carmo also did a post-doc at Wädenswil on sustainable viticulture, and a second post-doc on grapevine cold hardiness at Michigan State University.

Dr Vasconcelos was an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist of Viticulture at Oregon State University from 1994 to 2006.  She provided leadership in research on the physiology and sustainable production of high-quality winegrapes in Oregon.  Her own research continued in grapevine physiology, particularly carbon assimilation and allocation, water relations, and the impact of rootstock on scion physiology.

Carmo joined HortResearch (now Plant and Food Research) Marlborough as Senior Scientist in 2007, where she conducted research on Pinot noir.  She joined Elanza Technologies in 2010, where she developed tools to optimise category performance of fresh produce, including kiwifruit, avocados, apples, tomatoes, berry fruit, seafood, and red and white meat in retail chains.

From 2013 to 2017, Dr Vasconcelos was an Associate Professor of Viticulture at the Eastern Institute of Technology in Napier. She taught grapevine physiology and researched viticulture issues relevant to the New Zealand winegrowing industry while concurrently assisting with the crop development programme at Elanza Fresh.  She became Innovation Manager at Elanza Fresh in 2017, where she oversaw the breeding programmes for blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and tamarillos, developed production systems for high tunnel fruit crops, and adapted scientific research in the areas of hydroponics and protected cropping to commercial growing conditions to achieve an 8 to 12 month supply.

After a short period at Fruition Horticulture, where she developed curriculum for a level six Horticulture diploma, she joined BRI and returned to her beloved viticulture.

Email:  carmo.vasconcelos@bri.co.nz

Dr Jessica Rivera-Perez

Molecular Research Technician

Jessica’s previous research used innovative molecular techniques to study diets, microbiomes and gastrointestinal diseases preserved in subfossils from ancient civilizations and prehistoric animals. Now transitioning into viticulture, Jessica will apply the knowledge she’s acquired throughout 9 years of leading novel genetic research to the molecular assessment of new and improved NZ grapevines. “I’m really excited to collaborate on such a pivotal project for New Zealand and its exemplary wine industry”, she said.

Jessica is fluent in English, Spanish and salsa dancing.

Email:  jessica.rivera-perez@bri.co.nz

Jeffrey Clarke

Interim CEO

Mr Clarke also represented the NZ wine industry on international wine bodies such as the OIV and World Wine Trade Group.

“I’m thrilled by the opportunity to help lead BRI at this exciting stage of its growth. We have an opportunity to consolidate our great start with exciting new programmes, deepening our relationships with the research community to deliver meaningful impact to winegrowers throughout New Zealand,” said Mr Clarke.

Email jeffrey.clarke@bri.co.nz

Dr Dianne McCarthy

CRSNZ CNZM

Dr McCarthy holds a BA BSc MSc (Hons) and PhD from the University of Auckland.  She has extensive experience in a number of senior management and governance roles in the tertiary education, science and health sectors. She is Deputy Chair of the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, a Member of the Governance Board of the Dodd Walls CoRE, a Trustee of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and the Hearing Research Foundation (NZ) and Pro-Chancellor of Victoria University of Wellington. She was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to Education in 2008, a Companion of the Royal Society of New Zealand for her services to Science in 2015, and a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to science, business and women in 2016.

Professor Charles Eason

BRI Board Member

Professor Charles Eason joined the Board in an advisory role in December 2020, following his retirement from the Cawthron Institute. Prof. Eason had been at Cawthron since 2003, initially as a Board Director, and then CEO from 2012-2020. His science background includes senior research and management positions overseas and in New Zealand, including with multinational companies, a Crown research institute, a university and a manufacturing business.

As a Lincoln University professor, he is the Director of the Centre for Wildlife Management and Conservation, and associated with research aimed at better protecting endangered native species. In 2019 Prof. Eason was appointed as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for his services to science and wildlife conservation.

He is also a Companion of the Royal Society Te Apārangi and was awarded their Thomson Medal in 2017 for outstanding leadership in his research career and for his achievements as head of the Cawthron Institute. At the time, the medal selection committee said Prof.Eason’s ability to link scientific innovation with commercial experience had a global impact in the areas of chemical toxicity, pest control, food safety, aquaculture, drug development, and environmental protection. Prof. Eason holds a PhD (Pharmacology and Toxicology) from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, 1981.

Dr David Armour

Research Programme Manager

David’s focus is working with BRI’s research partners to manage two of the industry’s key research programmes: Vineyard Ecosystems, examining how vineyard management practices can enhance biodiversity and improve grapevine performance; and looking at Pinot Noir quality and productivity.

David completed a PhD in plant genetics and breeding at The University of Queensland. After this, he followed his passion for growing fruit crops and developed physiology and research programme management experience across a broad range of horticultural crops from lucerne to mangoes, avocados to kiwifruit. In 2015 David moved to New Zealand and spent four years in the Innovation team at Zespri. Following this, David started a R&D consulting business to focus on the delivery of science into growers’ and post-harvest operations. David says he relishes the theoretical and practical challenges of delivering higher yield, quality, taste, and reduced environmental impact in horticultural crops.

Email david.armour@bri.co.nz

Sanket Babre

Viticulture Extension Assistant

Sanket is currently a Vineyard Manager with Constellation, managing approximately 300 hectares in Marlborough. By agreement with Constellation, Sanket will join BRI for two years on secondment. The secondment offers an excellent opportunity for BRI to further strengthen ties with industry and to help upskill industry personnel in the field of Viticulture Extension. Sanket brings over a decade of practical viticulture experience to the team, including operations, management and technical viticulture. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture Science and a Graduate diploma in Viticulture and Oenology.

Email sanket.babre@bri.co.nz

Yuichi Ando

Viticulture Research Technician

Yuichi joins us after over a decade working and gaining experience in viticulture, most recently as Vineyard Manager of the Allan Scott Family vineyards. Yuichi’s mix of technical viticulture, practical vineyard operations management and tertiary qualifications make him an ideal candidate as we expand our extension program and increase our direct participation in applied viticulture and winemaking research.

Email yuichi.ando@bri.co.nz

Trish Grammer

Communications Manager

Trish Grammer recently joined BRI as Communications Manager. She has a degree in English from the University of Otago and a post-grad qualification in Journalism from the University of Canterbury. Trish started her career in journalism before moving into public relations, including running her own successful PR firm in Auckland.

After relocating to Marlborough, Trish built a career in general management positions in wine businesses including Mud House (when it was owned by its founders), Delta, and more recently Glover Family Vineyards. Trish brings great understanding of the wine industry, grape-grower and winery needs, and a foundation in communications which she is looking forward to focussing on again.

Email trish.grammer@bri.co.nz

Matt Mayernick

Research Winery Cellar Manager

Matt Mayernick recently joined BRI as Research Winery Cellar Manager. After gaining a BSc in Physics (with a focus in Biophysics) from the University of Colorado, Matt started his career as a research assistant for the Institute for Arctic and Alpine Research before moving on to a Mechanical & Process Engineering Specialist at Seagate Technology, both located in Colorado. Matt and his NZ wife Tracey moved to Christchurch where he returned to university, achieving a post-grad degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Lincoln University.

Matt worked for several wine companies in and around Christchurch while studying before re-locating to Marlborough where he’s had a successful career working for a variety of small and large wineries. Matt has also taken the time to travel overseas to do vintages. Matt brings a great understanding of the wine industry and has numerous years of experience managing wine cellars and assistant winemaking. Matt has achieved his Level 2 WSET along with other practical certificates that will make him invaluable to our Research Winery.

Email matt.mayernick@bri.co.nz

Mark Gilbert

Independent Chair – NZWRC

Mark retired as Managing Director of BMW Group New Zealand in 2012.

He has nearly 30 years automotive industry and management experience, working in both New Zealand and Asia for international companies Volvo and the BMW Group, where he held a number of senior executive roles. During this time, the BMW Group more than trebled its retail sales numbers, and became market leader worldwide with improvements in both shareholder returns and a strong profit orientation.

Since 2012, Mark has applied his skills as a Professional Director, performing non-executive Director and/or Chair roles, in a diverse range of organisations, covering Local Government; Central Government, Commercial SME’s and the NfP sectors. A number of these roles are retail related and small to medium sized family businesses; so similar in some respects to the New Zealand wine industry.

Mark tends to come at things with a customer centric viewpoint, but with strong profit, shareholder and triple bottom line orientation; and has successfully implemented the strategic changes necessary to embed these where necessary. He always seek to make a positive difference – be it for the company, the shareholders and the employees.

Len Ibbotson

Viticultural Extension and Research Manager

Len joined the BRI team in August 2019. The focus of his role is to lead the communication of research information to members, to ensure information and tools delivered by research programmes are being adopted and applied to deliver member and industry benefits.  The role will also provide expert viticultural input and practical insights into BRI’s research projects.

Originally from Hawkes Bay, Len studied Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University before heading to Central Otago, working for several years in various operational and technical management roles in the wine industry there. Since relocating to Marlborough in late 2016, Len has been managing the viticulture program for Matua’s company-owned vineyards. With a passion for viticulture and wine, Len recognises the importance of understanding and connecting viticulture inputs with wine quality. “I’m excited to be joining the newly formed Bragato Research Institute team and working together, striving for continual improvement in our wine industry through research, collaboration and education” he said.

Fraser Broom

Science Strategy Manager

Dr Fraser Broom has joined BRI as Science Strategy Manager. After completing a horticultural science degree at Massey University, he worked for several years as a horticultural consultant for NZ’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, before gaining a PhD. investigating bitter pit, a physiological disorder of apples. Five years as a plant physiologist and breeder followed, working with apples, kiwifruit, berries, and Antarctic lichens and mosses. In 2000, Fraser began work with the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, the Government’s science funding agency. He had a succession of investment management and strategy roles, becoming Director for primary sector research. In that role, Fraser’s team was responsible for investment strategy and investment management across the land and water based primary sectors.

In 2011, Fraser left the public service and took up a role as manager of ANZCO Foods’ Primary Growth Partnership programme. This role brought together the Crown and one of NZ’s largest exporters in a commercial programme focused on added-value meat products. The programme, known as FoodPlus was successfully concluded in late 2019. Following this Fraser started a contracting and consulting business, focusing on the interface between science and commerce in the primary sectors. He is excited to be working with BRI. “I am passionate about science that delivers outcomes to New Zealand’s primary industries, and it is exciting to be a part of building a new organisation to benefit New Zealand’s winegrowers.”