Leadership in Wine #4 - Richard King

  • Alexis Robin

Richard is a Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers with multiple hotels and resorts experiences, as well as opening experiences in New Zealand and overseas. He believes attention to details and authenticity are key factors of success in the hospitality industry.

Richard loves to provide regular training to his staff and share his passion about New Zealand wines with the rest of the world.

 

How do you define leadership?

Confidence, perseverance, honesty and always be open-minded. Being a leader is not just about leading people, it is also about developping new leaders.

 

What are the main challenges of being a leader in the wine industry today?

The wine industry is lacking of clear direction and wine trends (orange, low sulphur, natural, etc...) are distracting too many consumers from drinking great quality wines.

 

What are your major breakthroughs in your career to become the leader you are now?

In December 2016, I did the pre-opening and I set up the cellar for Conrad Bora Bora Nui,  French Polynesia which has now became one of the best resorts in the world. I helped build the biggest cellar in Bora Bora with consistent temperature. Also through my New Zealand wine background, I was the first person to introduce Premium Central Otago Pinot Noir wines into Bora Bora. Now more and more luxury tourists enjoy Premium New Zealand wines there.

 

If you were starting your career in 2019 in the wine industry, what advice would you give to yourself to become successful and content?

Perseverance, be confident, be honest, work harder and never stop learning!

 

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