Nick Hyde takes over as WSET chairman

By Lisa Riley

Published: 08 January, 2018

Nick Hyde has taken over from James Simpson MW as chairman of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Board of Trustees.

The appointment follows Simpson MW fulfilling a six-year tenure as a WSET Trustee, including two years as chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Hyde, who represents the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) of which he is a previous chairman, is also chairman of Vranken Pommery UK.

As chairman of the WSET, Hyde will lead the eight wine and spirits industry leaders on the Board of Trustees.

As chairman, Hyde said his role and that of the board would be to ensure the conditions were in place for the “successful transition of the exciting next chapter for WSET”.

“I’ve been part of a board that has worked closely with chief executive Ian Harris in developing a transformational plan for the future growth of WSET that will reinforce its global leadership,” he said.

At the same time, Simon McMurtrie has stepped down from his two-year position as chairman of Berry Bros & Rudd’s family board to join WSET’s Board of Trustees, representing the Vintners' Company.

McMurtie said he looked forward to provide “challenge and support” as WSET charted the next chapter in its history as the global leader in wine and spirits education.

“The international expansion of Laithwaite’s Wine mirrored that of WSET and so I’m in the lucky position of having worked closely with Ian and his talented team over a number of years,” he said.

Hugh and McMurtie will both be working closely with WSET’s senior management team as well as the other WSET Trustees Troy Christensen, Rick Connor, Jonathan Driver, Susan McCraith MW, Simon Thorpe MW and Michael Turner.

“It is an honour to have such industry talent and experience on the board. I look forward to working with Nick, Simon and the wider Board as we continue to lay the path for the future of WSET,” said Harris.

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