Mason takes WOSA job

Published: 23 July, 2008

Wines of South Africa has appointed Jo Mason as the new UK market manager, replacing Sophie Waggett, who is leaving the generic body to have a baby.

Mason, an associate director at PR agency Westbury Communications, has been with the company for the past six years. Before that, she worked at wine retailer Majestic, where she managed the Chalk Farm store in London, before being appointed as business development manager, responsible for corporate sales to the on-trade.

While at Westbury, she worked on generic campaigns, including South of France Wines (AOC Languedoc and VDP d'Oc), and was campaign manager for the Wines of Argentina Wines With Rhythm' campaign in 2003.

Waggett said: I'm really delighted to be handing the reigns over to Jo. She knows the UK wine trade so well - and the trade knows and respects her. I feel very comfortable leaving WOSA in such experienced and capable hands, and I wish Jo the very best of luck in taking the business forward.'

Mason told Harpers that she was looking forward to the challenge, while admitting that South Africa had suffered a difficult year': The whole biodiversity campaign is a good opportunity to build an exciting platform for South Africa,' she said. Brands like Kumala and Arniston Bay, which have been a little bit up in the air, are more settled in their new homes now.'

Su Birch, WOSA CEO, added: We are sad to be losing Sophie, but feel confident that Jo will be a great asset to WOSA. There are plenty of challenges facing us in the year ahead and we are determined to regain lost market share. We are looking forward to working with Jo.'

Mason is set to take over the post in January.

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