Laura Jewell MW to chair WSET

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust has announced Laura Jewell MW as its new chairman.

Laura Jewell MW

Jewell, who has been product development manager at Tesco since 2010, will replace current WSET chairman Bill Page with effect from 10 December.

Becoming the 13^th chairman in the 43 year history of the WSET, Jewell is also the first woman to hold the post, having become a trustee of the organisation four years ago.

Prior to her role at Tesco, in which she oversees the retailer’s own label and exclusive wines, Jewell revitalised the wine range at Spar. She has also held the posts of agency director at UK importer HwCG, senior buyer at Sainsbury’s and wine buyer for the Waverley Group, during which time she earned her Master of Wine qualification.

Outgoing chairman Page said of Jewell’s appointment: “It has been a privilege for me to be part of a British success story, which has seen WSET grow to be the biggest and most highly respected global organisation in wine and spirit education and qualifications in the world, and in handing over the reins to Laura, I know that WSET will be safe hands, and that she will give 100% support to Ian Harris and his team as WSET continues its exponential growth.”

Ian Harris, chief executive of the WSET praised Jewell’s “very valuable contribution to defining the strategic direction of WSET” in her role as trustee, adding: “I look forward to working with her and the Board of Trustees as we set the vision for the future. Her experience in all sectors of the trade is an invaluable asset”.

As international demand for its educational services increases, 2011 saw the WSET experience nearly 200% growth in Hong Kong and China, with the organisation planning to open a dedicated office for the Asia region soon.