Tescos's Jewell takes Wine Australia role

Master of wine Laura Jewell is leaving Tesco to become Wine Australia’s regional director for Europe including the UK following the untimely death of Yvonne May.

Category product development manager at the global multiple retailer where she oversees its wine portfolio in 11 markets, Jewell leaves at a time when her boss Dan Jago, head of Tesco’s beers, wines and spirits, remains suspended along with a number of other senior departmental heads.

Jewell is a well known, highly respected and popular figure within the UK wine trade. She starts on February 23.

Australian Grape and Wine Authority (AGWA) acting CEO Andreas Clark said: “The UK remains our largest export market and Laura will be a strong advocate for Australian wine, leading our team in London and driving efforts to maintain our market share and remain competitive. This appointment is fantastic news for Australian wine.”

Jewell said: “I’ve dedicated my career to wine and worked across many different parts of the value chain. I’ve always found Australian wine to be of consistently high quality and the diversity of Australia’s 65 wine regions is an incredibly exciting story to tell.

“I can’t wait to get started and work with Australian wine brands and exporters on a calendar of innovative events and initiatives for local trade and consumers that builds on the solid reputation that Australian wine already has in the UK and European markets,” said Jewell.

Jewell has close to 25 years’ experience in the sector and a Master of Wine qualification attained in 1997. Her appointment follows the recent appointment of Stuart Barclay to the role of general manager, market development.