N※N

CEO of New Zealand's oldest winery resigns after almost 30 years

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/11 .. oldest-winery-resigns-after-almost-30-years.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 22:00 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Napier Mission Estate Winery CEO Peter Holley steps down after nearly three decades of leadership

Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand – Peter Holley, the man who has steered the storied Napier Mission Estate Winery through a period of remarkable growth and acclaim, announced his resignation as chief executive on Tuesday, citing a desire to spend more time with family and to pursue personal projects. Holley’s departure comes after almost 30 years in the role, a tenure that has seen the company expand its vineyard holdings, modernise its winemaking facilities, and cement its place as one of New Zealand’s flagship wine producers.

A legacy of transformation

Holley first joined Mission Estate in the early 1990s as a young winemaker, quickly rising through the ranks to become president in 2005 and CEO in 2008. His leadership style—marked by a blend of meticulous attention to detail and a willingness to embrace new technology—helped the winery move from a regional player to a brand that regularly appears on international wine lists.

Under Holley’s stewardship, Mission Estate acquired additional plots in the heart of the Hawke’s Bay region, adding more than 20 ha of high‑yield, premium vineyards to its portfolio. The company invested heavily in state‑of‑the‑art fermentation tanks, temperature‑controlled storage, and precision viticulture practices such as drone‑based canopy monitoring. These upgrades were key to the winery’s consistent production of award‑winning wines, including its flagship “Mission Estate Cabernet Sauvignon” and the highly regarded “Mission Estate Malbec” blends that have earned the brand a reputation for depth and structure.

Holley has also been credited with fostering a culture of sustainability. In 2015, Mission Estate launched a comprehensive environmental programme that reduced water usage by 18 % and implemented a zero‑waste policy for its production facilities. The company now recycles 80 % of its waste, a figure that has earned it a national sustainability award in 2022.

The resignation announcement

In a formal statement released by the company’s corporate communications team, Holley said, “I have made the decision to step down as CEO of Napier Mission Estate Winery to focus on my family and to explore new avenues for personal growth. This decision has not been made lightly, but after nearly three decades at the helm, I believe it is the right time for me to hand the baton to the next generation of leadership.”

Holley added that he will remain on the company’s advisory board in a part‑time capacity, offering guidance on strategic initiatives and fostering relationships with international distributors.

“Peter has been the cornerstone of Mission Estate’s success for the last 30 years. His expertise, passion, and integrity have guided the company through the highs and lows of the wine industry. I have no doubt that he will continue to champion our values and contribute to our ongoing mission,” said Sarah McKenzie, Chair of the Board of Directors. “We are now focused on finding a CEO who can build upon his legacy and drive the winery into the next chapter.”

The announcement came amid a broader trend of veteran wine leaders stepping down in the industry, as many of them seek new challenges or a better work‑life balance after decades of hard work.

What comes next for Mission Estate?

While the company has not yet named a successor, insiders say that the CEO role will likely be filled by an internal candidate who has served as Managing Director of Production for several years. The board has expressed confidence that an experienced internal hire will maintain continuity and preserve the firm’s culture of quality and innovation.

In a statement to the press, the company confirmed that it will launch an internal recruitment drive, with an emphasis on candidates who have a deep understanding of New Zealand’s terroir, a proven record of driving growth, and a commitment to sustainability. “The leadership team is committed to ensuring a smooth transition that will keep our production schedule on track and reassure our partners, investors and customers,” the statement read.

Holley’s departure also opens the door for Mission Estate to revisit its long‑term expansion plans. The winery has been quietly negotiating the purchase of a new vineyard site in the Tararua Range, which would diversify its grape varietals and enable the production of cooler‑climate wines. The board has indicated that any new acquisitions will be undertaken only after a thorough assessment of their fit with the company’s core values and quality standards.

A look back at the Napier Mission Estate legacy

Mission Estate Winery, founded in 1898, has become a pillar of the Hawke’s Bay wine community. The winery’s flagship estate sits on 55 ha of vineyard land, producing a range of reds, whites, and dessert wines that have earned acclaim across the globe. Over the past 30 years, the winery has expanded its distribution network to more than 70 countries, earning numerous awards, including a gold medal at the 2019 International Wine Challenge for its “Mission Estate Syrah” blend.

For many employees, Holley’s tenure was synonymous with stability and growth. “Peter was not just a boss; he was a mentor,” said James Whitmore, the winery’s head winemaker, in an interview with the Hawke’s Bay Today. “He taught us the importance of listening to the vineyard and staying true to the fruit.”

The winery’s official website provides a comprehensive overview of its history, products, and sustainability initiatives, offering visitors an interactive map of the estate’s vineyards, tasting notes for each wine, and a dedicated section on the company’s environmental commitments.

Community reaction

The announcement has sparked an outpouring of support from the local community and wine enthusiasts across New Zealand. A local winery blogger noted, “Peter Holley’s impact on Napier’s wine scene is immeasurable. His leadership helped put our region on the map, and his departure will be felt for years to come.”

Meanwhile, members of the New Zealand Wine Institute praised Mission Estate’s continued dedication to quality, adding that the company’s success is a testament to the region’s robust viticultural ecosystem.

A new chapter for Napier Mission Estate

Peter Holley’s resignation marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Napier Mission Estate Winery’s history, but it also heralds a period of renewed ambition. The company’s leadership will be tasked with sustaining the high standards set by Holley while exploring fresh opportunities for growth and innovation.

As the search for a new CEO unfolds, stakeholders—including investors, employees, and customers—will keep a keen eye on the direction the winery takes. With its strong heritage, commitment to quality, and forward‑looking approach, Mission Estate is well positioned to continue as a flagship of New Zealand wine, even as it welcomes a new leader to guide the next era of its journey.