New leadership for Gibbston Valley Wines
Gibbston Valley Wines' long-standing CEO Greg Hunt is leaving the business.
After two decades with the leading wine brand, restaurant, luxury lodge and spa owned by Phil Griffith and family, Hunt has concluded his role at Gibbston Valley to spend more time with family, following the arrival of his first grandchild.
“I have been at Gibbston Valley Wines for over 20 years, working on various projects,” Hunt says. “That’s a lot of driving over the Crown Range, from Wānaka – something that I will not miss. I have very much enjoyed my time at Gibbston Valley and working closely with Phil and the Griffith family.
"I look forward to watching the progress at Gibbston Valley Wines, as well as on the Station, and wish them all the best.”
Hunt was involved with establishing the Summer Concert Series with Greenstone Entertainment, delivery of the Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, and the initial vision of the Gibbston Valley Resort project, which includes the luxury residential neighbourhoods, and the soon-to-be-opened Gibbston Valley Golf Course and Clubhouse.
The family-owned wine brand has gone from strength to strength over the years, winning many accolades. The Gibbston Valley Winery won ‘Riedel Vineyard of the Year’ in the 2023 Aotearoa NZ Organic Wine Awards, and more recently, the World Spa Awards have recognised Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa as ‘New Zealand’s Best Resort Spa’ for the sixth consecutive year.
Cristina Griffith – who had been serving as Gibbston Valley’s Chief Financial Officer since 2022 following her time with public accounting firm PwC – has stepped up to serve as Managing Director across all Gibbston Valley entities.
“Greg has been an integral part of the success and growth of Gibbston Valley over the past 20 years, and we would like to thank him for his true passion and dedication,” she says.
“While they’re certainly big shoes to fill, I am excited to lead the business into its next chapter – one that honours our legacy while embracing innovation, sustainability and continued excellence in everything we do.”
As Phil’s daughter, Cristina is well accustomed to the inner workings of the highly successful family business, as is her brother, Alex Griffith, who has been serving as a director of the company for the past 10 years, following his time living in Queenstown and working with the Gibbston Valley marketing team.
Together, they represent the next generation of leadership, and the continuation of the Griffith family’s long-term commitment to stewardship of the land, celebration of the wine, and the curation of experiences in the Gibbston Valley.
