Ridgeview CEO becomes chair of trustees at WSET
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has announced the appointment of Ridgeview CEO Tamara Roberts as the new chair of its board of trustees, taking over from former Direct Wines group CEO Simon McMurtrie.
Roberts thanked McMurtrie for his “leadership and dedication”, as she took over his role, which he has held since December 2020, although he has been a trustee since 2017.
The WSET also said that Andrew Paynter, who is a recently-retired partner at PwC and long-standing member of the Vintners’ Company, is joining the board of trustees, replacing former Berry Bros & Rudd CEO Dan Jago, who has been a trustee since 2020.
Tamara Roberts has been the CEO of Ridgeview, English sparkling wine producer based in the South Downs National Park, for the last 11 years. Since joining the family business in 2004, she has overseen significant international growth, expanded production and led major investment in winemaking facilities. Tamara has also held influential roles across the wine industry, including with WineGB and the WSTA.
Roberts said: “It’s an honour to be taking on the role of Chair of Trustees at WSET, an organisation that continues to set the global standard in drinks education. I’d like to thank Simon for his leadership and dedication, which have left WSET in such a strong position. I look forward to working with Michelle and the Board of Trustees to build on this success and ensure WSET continues to inspire and educate the next generation of drinks professionals around the world.”
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Andrew Paynter (pictured above) joins the Board following a career at PwC, where he served as a partner for more than 25 years, working with a wide range of clients and holding leadership roles across the UK. A member of the Vintners’ Company and its Court, he has also served on its Investment and Finance Committee for many years.
Andrew Paynter said: “I’m very pleased to become a WSET Trustee and to be supporting Michelle and the team at such an important time. As a long-standing member of the Vintners’ Company, I am well aware of the pivotal role that WSET has played in drinks education for more than 50 years and I hope that my financial background will also be beneficial as WSET looks to continue its growth trajectory into the future”
Michelle Brampton, WSET Chief Executive, said: “I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Simon McMurtrie for his unwavering support during his five years as Chair and eight years as a trustee. Simon’s passion and commitment to WSET will have a lasting impact. We’re also grateful to Dan Jago for his five years as a trustee. The dedication and encouragement shown by both Simon and Dan have truly helped shape WSET’s success.”
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