
Jeffrey Clarke
Jeffrey Clarke, previously General Manager Advocacy & General Counsel at New Zealand Winegrowers, was appointed in June 2021. Mr Clarke has worked for NZ Winegrowers since 2014 and been involved with BRI since its inception. His work as general legal counsel included the original contracts to establish BRI, as well as ongoing advocacy and legal support.

Dr Fraser Broom
Dr Fraser Broom has joined BRI as Science Strategy Manager. 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.”

Dr. Tanya Rutan
Tanya Rutan started as the Research Winery Manager in January 2020. Originally from the USA, she has a MSc in Wine Chemistry from the University of Auckland and completed a PhD in Wine Science working in collaboration with industry on identifying the primary aromatic compounds and phenolic composition of Central Otago Pinot noir wines.

Janette McKibbin
Janette McKibbin has worked for New Zealand Winegrowers for more than 10 years. She is the Research Administrator for BRI and is based in Auckland. Janette holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Auckland.

Dr. Fang Gou
Dr Fang Gou joined the BRI team in Blenheim as Data Co-ordinator. Fang started her studies at China Agricultural University in Beijing, receiving her BSc majoring in agro-meteorology, and her MSc in simulation and modelling intercropping systems.

Dr Darrell Lizamore
Darrell joined the BRI team in August 2019. In his role Darrell aims to build an integrated national programme bringing together capability in this area across different organisations as well as building a team and internal capability at BRI focussing on grapevine improvement.

Len Ibbotson
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.

Michelle Barry
Michelle joined the institute in September 2019. Her background in environmental science and soil science provides her with a unique perspective on winegrowing and soil health.

Dr David Armour
David Armour joined the team as a Research Programme Manager in January 2021.

Yuichi Ando
Yuichi joins us after over a decade working and gaining experience in viticulture, most recently as Vineyard Manager of the Allan Scott Family vineyards.

Irene Tozzi
Irene Tozzi started as Research Assistant Winemaker in January 2022. Originally from Italy, she made the decision to join the wine industry during a road trip in Canada. With the backpack still on her shoulders, she enrolled in Perugia University (IT) on the way back home.

Dr Jessica Rivera-Perez
Jessica joined the BRI team in March 2022. Originally from Puerto Rico, she obtained her BSc and PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Puerto Rico and completed internships in California Polytechnic State University and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute before heading to New Zealand in 2017.

Dr Carmo Vasconcelos
Dr Vasconcelos joined BRI as an Extension Specialist in April 2022. Carmo has enjoyed a significant career in grape growing and plant physiology.

Mark Gilbert
Mark retired as Managing Director of BMW Group New Zealand in 2012.
He has nearly 30 year’s automotive industry and management experience, working in both New Zealand and Asia for international company’s Volvo, and the BMW Group; where he held a number of senior executive roles.

Simon Towns
Simon has served on the NZ Winegrowers board since October 2016, and joined the BRI Board as an NZ Winegrowers representative.

Dr Dianne McCarthy
Dr Dianne McCarthy joined the BRI Board in 2019.
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.

Dr Bruce Campbell
Dr Campbell has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in ecology from The University of Sheffield. He is a recipient of the 2017 Prime Minister's Science Prize, 2017 Horticulture New Zealand Industry Service Award and 2016 Royal Society of New Zealand Thomson Medal for outstanding leadership of agricultural and horticultural science.

Professor Charles Eason
Professor Charles Eason joined the Board in an advisory role in December 2020, following his retirement from the Cawthron Institute.
Research Advisory Committee
Our Research Advisory Committee is appointed by New Zealand Winegrowers and comprised of industry experts. The committee provides an industry perspective for the institute’s science team and Board of Directors on proposed research with a focus—relevance and value—on outcomes. The board is responsible for investment decisions, based on the recommendations of the institute’s science team and the Research Advisory Committee. Industry experts with technical or scientific expertise are encouraged to put their names forward for consideration when expressions of interest open each year.
Current Members
Emma Taylor (Chair)
Bart Arnst
Jeff Sinnott
Jonathan Hamlett
Marilyn Duxson
Melissa Tripe
Patrick Materman
Wendy Stuckey
Braden Crosby
Tracy Taylor