The new umbrella body for the wine and brandy industry, SA Wine, has appointed Rico Basson as its CEO, effective June 1.
Basson also serves as the MD of another industry body, Vinpro.
SA Wine strives to increase collaboration and impact in the wine industry, as well as improve alignment between stakeholders.
The Vinpro and South African Liquor Brandowners Association, as the founding members of SA Wine, have appointed five producer directors and five brand owner directors to serve on the board.
These directors are Antoinette Vermooten, Anton Smuts, Boyce Lloyd (representing brandy), Sakkie du Toit, James Reid, Mohseen Moosa, Phillip Retief, Rydal Jeftha, Vivian Kleynhans and Wessel de Wet.
Ronald Ramabulana has been appointed as independent board member and chairperson, while Khumbuzile Mosoma from the National Agricultural Marketing Council will be an observer.
Ramabulana comments that SA Wine ushers in the opportunity for the country to grow an inclusive wine industry and the profitability of companies in the wine value chain.
The recruitment process for other new executive roles is under way and is expected to be concluded in July.