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WSET names Laura Catena as honorary president at annual graduation ceremony
The Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) hosted its annual graduation ceremony on Wednesday, where Argentina’s Dr Laura Catena was named as the new honorary president.
WSET hosted the graduation ceremony and prize reception was at the Guildhall in the City of London. During the celebration, CEO Michelle Brampton officially recognised Dr Laura Catena, founder of Catena Institute of Wine, as the new honorary president, taking over from Paul Symington CMG.
Catena was named as the drinks business 2022 Woman of the Year, and is currently managing director of Bodega Catena Zapata.
Michelle Brampton, who was appointed as the new WSET CEO in early 2022, hosted the ceremony for the first time. The hybrid event saw 73% of all WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines graduates from the 2021/2022 academic year attend, either online or in person.
There were graduates from 20 countries worldwide who studied with 35 different WSET course providers. Brampton was joined on stage by former honorary president Paul Symington CMG, executive director Dave Rudman and regional director Rachel Webster.
Brampton congratulated the graduates who successfully achieved the Diploma in Wines this year. She said of Catena’s new role: “I’m excited about Laura’s appointment as our new honorary president – she will be a fantastic ambassador. I look forward to working with her to further WSET’s purpose in empowering people through inspiring learning experiences all over the world. As my first graduation and anniversary as CEO, this was a special event for me.”
Catena added: “I am deeply honoured and committed to supporting WSET in its efforts to increase diversity in the world of wine, and to communicate and embrace sustainability in our community. There is no organisation with a wider international footprint than WSET in wine, and that is why the Honorary President position is so exciting for me.”