Ontario Wine Appellation Authority

Chief Executive Officer

North York, ON (on-site), and travel within Ontario

As Ontario’s wine authority, Ontario Wine Appellation Authority (OWAA) is the regulatory agency responsible for maintaining the integrity of regional wine appellations and enforcing winemaking and labelling standards in the province.

Incorporated in 1998 to implement the Vintners Quality Alliance Act, 1999 (VQA Act), OWAA regulates the “appellation of origin” system that governs the composition, standards and labelling of Ontario wines of origin. OWAA maintains consumer trust and the integrity of local wine appellations by enforcing winemaking and labelling standards and educating consumers about the authenticity of appellation.

OWAA’s core mandate includes the following operating objectives:

• Establish, monitor and enforce an appellation of origin system in accordance with the VQA Act that allows consumers to identify wines on the basis of where the grapes are grown, the methods used in making the wine and other quality standards.
• Regulate the use of specified terms, descriptions and designations associated with the VQA appellation system.
• Act as the Wine Authority under the VQA Act, and to participate in discussions with government and other stakeholders which relate to wine standards.
• Inform, educate and work with the grape and wine sector, governments and the public to promote the value and benefits of VQA appellations of origin and VQA-certified wines.

OWAA is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors elected from the regulated community and appointed under an Administrative Agreement with the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement.

THE OPPORTUNITY

With the planned retirement of the incumbent, OWAA is seeking its new leader to continue the strategic evolution of the organization and advance its vision, mission and mandate while meeting expectations for accountability, transparency and government oversight.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO is accountable for executive management and all statutory and administrative responsibilities associated with the VQA Act. The CEO leads a team of five staff as well as contractors, and ensures all regulatory functions, including testing and evaluating wines, auditing and inspecting wineries and investigating and enforcing compliance, are performed. The CEO leads industry, government and stakeholder outreach, supervises educational programs aimed at raising awareness and knowledge of Ontario’s wine appellations and wines of origin, and provides expert advice related to wine regulation in trade and standards-related discussions.  While responsible for ensuring compliance with the VQA Act and associated standards, the CEO also promotes a culture of education and continuous improvement, helping wineries understand and navigate the regulatory framework in support of their success within Ontario’s wine sector.

In fulfilling the vision and mission of OWAA, the CEO ensures value, integrity and authenticity in Ontario’s evolving appellation system and diverse wine landscape, and fosters consumer trust to make informed decisions on the wines they drink.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• A senior leader with strong experience in and deep understanding of regulatory procedures and standards of practice, (e.g. inspection, audit, investigative processes, evidence requirements, and court/tribunal hearings) in a regulated sector or industry (e,g DAAs, professional colleges, etc.).
• Excellent government navigation and engagement skills with demonstrated ability to build and maintain constructive relationships ensuring transparency, trust, and alignment of expectations.
• An effective relationship builder and stakeholder manager who can seek out and maintain excellent relations across the ecosystem, including government, diversity of wineries, related businesses, and associations.
• Familiarity with the VQA Act and related wine laws is an asset.
• High standards of professionalism, ethics and integrity; ability to maintain objectivity and fairness at all times.
• Keen attention to detail with ability to maintain and document consistency in decision-making.
• Knowledge of good governance practices with the ability to support a Board of Directors.
• Strategic thinker who assesses complex situations, options and risks.
• Excellent leadership, management and organizational skills, with the ability to effectively balance oversight responsibilities with direct involvement in the execution of the work.
• Excellent, tactful and diplomatic written and verbal communications, public speaking and presentation skills.
• Sufficient knowledge of human resources, finance, and technology to manage day-to-day operations and supervise employees and contractors.
• Self-reliant/self-starter as well as collaborative, is effective in both independent and team-based environments and easily adapts to varying situations, environments and levels of engagement.
• Post-secondary or graduate degree in law, management, public policy, sciences, or other relevant field.
• Criminal record check and valid Ontario driver’s licence are required.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you are interested in being considered for this exciting and impactful opportunity, please submit your cover letter and current resume by email to Chris Sawyer, Senior Consultant at LHH Knightsbridge, at chris.sawyer@lhhknightsbridge.com.

The Ontario Public Service is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario’s Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2025.

The Chief Executive Officer role is a current existing vacancy.  LHH Knightsbridge does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for a position.