Karen Fistonich is a director of Fistonich Family Wineries Limited, which was previously the parent company of Villa Maria Estate Ltd, the family wine business which was sold in 2021.
Whilst still in Family ownership, Karen was a director on the Villa Maria Estate Ltd Board and served on the Board of Directors from 1992, following a career in banking. Karen served as Board chairperson from 2006 to 2019.
Karen’s father Sir George Fistonich founded the Wine business in 1961 and grew Villa Maria into a global brand, recognised as New Zealand’s most awarded winery and named by Drinks International as one of the World’s Most Admired Wine Brands. Since the sale the family has retained interests in the New Zealand wine industry including premium vineyards and Sir George is currently developing a new wine brand.
Karen has pursued a governance career, currently she is a director of New Zealand Food Innovation Auckland Ltd (aka the Foodbowl), is on the boards of Auckland Theatre Company and Waterfront Theatre Limited and is a trustee of the Waterfront Theatre Trust.
Karen was on the Board of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, New Zealand’s international business development agency from 2011 to 2017.
Karen is a member of Te Hono Movement which brings together New Zealand Primary Sector Industry leaders who are prepared to collaborate and share expertise for sustainable growth in the primary sector. She is also a member of the New Zealand Global Women network, which encourages women into senior and leadership roles.
Karen has just joined the board of Family Business New Zealand and is looking forward to helping the network expand within New Zealand and add value to more business families.
