Wines of South Africa appoints CEO

Wines of South Africa has appointed marketing specialist Siobhan Thompson as its new chief executive.

Thompson will succeed Su Birch from November, the wine trade body said this week, although Birch is expected to remain with the group until the end of the year ‘to ensure a smooth handover’.

She was previously Distell’s group general marketing manager for brandies and Cognac, including Bisquit, and has also worked for the firm’s sparkling wines business.

Thompson’s appointment comes amid a growing profile for premium South African wines. Distell has launched its Cape Legends business, which is seeking to promote fine wines from several estates across the country, including Zonnebloem, Nederburg and Fleur du Cap.

‘Her seasoned exposure to traditional and developing markets and her conversancy with the alcohol category inspire great confidence,’ said Wines of South Africa (WoSA) chairman, Johann Krige.

Written by Chris Mercer

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Chris Mercer is a Bristol-based freelance editor and journalist who spent nearly four years as digital editor of Decanter.com, having previously been Decanter’s news editor across online and print.

He has written about, and reported on, the wine and food sectors for more than 10 years for both consumer and trade media.

Chris first became interested in the wine world while living in Languedoc-Roussillon after completing a journalism Masters in the UK. These days, his love of wine commonly tests his budgeting skills.

Beyond wine, Chris also has an MSc in food policy and has a particular interest in sustainability issues. He has also been a food judge at the UK’s Great Taste Awards.