The wine industry outsider Roberta Corrà has been named Person of the Year by Wine Enthusiast

The Italian Roberta Corrà has been named Person of the Year by the American specialist magazine Wine Enthusiast. Strategic leadership and international vision are the reasons behind the prestigious recognition within the Wine Star Awards 2025, which celebrate the most influential figures in the global wine, spirits and beverage sectors. The US magazine acknowledged Corrà’s role as current General Manager of Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV) as well as CEO of Frederick Wildman & Sons (an American wine import and distribution company), and her work in strengthening GIV’s position in the United States. Her leadership has made it possible to intensify relations between major Italian producers and consumers, increasing the group’s presence and influence in the market.

An unconventional path

Corrà’s career path is an unconventional one, according to Wine Enthusiast, since unlike most managers in the wine industry, she did not inherit her position through family connections or networks. In fact, she gained extensive experience outside the wine sector, having spent around 20 years in human resources for major international companies. It is precisely this outsider status, the magazine writes, that has enabled Roberta Corrà to identify opportunities for growth, process improvements and global collaborations “in ways that others often cannot.”

Among the few women at the top of the Italian wine sector, Corrà represents a “visionary leadership in the global wine industry. Her strategic ability and constant advocacy for Italian wine and its producers,” said Jacqueline Strum, President of Wine Enthusiast Media, “have not only strengthened the sector but also paved the way for future leaders, particularly women.”

The manager’s words

Corrà expressed her honour at receiving the award. “This recognition,” she said, “is not just for me but for the entire Gruppo Italiano Vini team (which in June 2025 acquired 100% of Tenute Rapitalà in Sicily), whose passion and dedication allow us to bring the finest Italian wines to enthusiasts around the world.

Throughout my career, I have been committed to fostering growth and opportunities not only for our brands but also for the new generation of wine professionals. I hope this award can inspire others, especially women, to take on leadership roles in this extraordinary industry.”

Career background

With around 15 years of experience in German multinational distribution companies, Roberta Corrà joined GIV in July 2012. Since January 2015, she has been the group’s General Manager and also CEO of Frederick Wildman & Sons. She also holds executive positions in several subsidiaries, including Carniato Europe in France, GIV Cz based in Prague, Granarolo Suisse, and Phildan in Canada.

Since March 2021, she has served as President of the Consorzio Italia del Vino (confirmed in April 2024), an organisation dedicated to promoting Italian wine in foreign markets.

In addition to corporate management, Roberta Corrà is actively involved in training young talent, as demonstrated by her recent appointment to the Scientific Committee of the Wine Management Executive Programme at Luiss Business School.

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place during a gala event on 26 January 2026 in New York.