David Rudman named partner at International Wine Center

Veteran wine executive returns to IWC, taking on leadership role alongside president Mary Ewing-Mulligan MW. The move signals a new chapter for the pioneering US wine education institution. The post David Rudman named partner at International Wine Center appeared first on The Drinks Business.

Apr 23, 2025 - 14:57

David Rudman named partner at International Wine Center

Veteran wine executive returns to IWC, taking on leadership role alongside president Mary Ewing-Mulligan MW. The move signals a new chapter for the pioneering US wine education institution. Wine industry veteran David Rudman (left) has become a partner and managing director in the New York-based International Wine Center (IWC)

Wine industry stalwart David Rudman (left) has become a partner and managing director in the New York-based International Wine Center (IWC), joining with IWC president Mary Ewing-Mulligan MW (right), who announced the move on Monday. Founded in 1982, IWC has long been at the forefront of wine education in the United States. Under the leadership of Ewing-Mulligan—North America’s first female Master of Wine—IWC introduced the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualifications to the US in 1994, becoming the first school to offer these globally recognised programs. Today, IWC remains one of the few institutions to offer the prestigious WSET Level 4 Diploma, the highest WSET qualification and a traditional prerequisite for Master of Wine candidates.

Rudman outlines global ambitions for IWC

“I’m thrilled to return to IWC and to rejoin the vibrant US wine and spirits education community,” said Rudman, who most recently served as WSET global business development director and was a member of the organisation’s leadership team. “My goal is to grow America’s first, and most beloved, beverage alcohol education brand into one of the largest and most recognised providers of education, content, and passion for the industry globally.” “I am incredibly excited about the future of IWC,” said Ewing-Mulligan. “Even after 43 years, there is still enormous potential to broaden our reach and deepen our impact across the beverage alcohol industry. Dave is the ideal person to lead this next phase—his experience as an IWC alum and his insider perspective from WSET make him uniquely suited to grow the school’s mission.”

Leadership transition begins this month

Rudman will begin taking on operational leadership this month, as Ewing-Mulligan starts to step back from day-to-day management. However, she will remain involved in select school activities and continue in an advisory role. Before WSET, Rudman was director of education at Brescome Barton, one of the largest wine, spirits, sake and beer distributors in the US and established the company as a WSET Approved Program Provider. Rudman earned his WSET Level 4 Diploma from IWC in 2019 and holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management.