IAN HARRIS, Chief Executive of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
Having gone to university with the intention of becoming a teacher, a life-changing year in Bordeaux soon opened Ian’s eyes to the world of wine, ultimately kick-starting what would become a lifelong career in the wine and spirit industry.
On graduating from London University with a degree in French, Ian joined Christopher & Co. and its parent company, Waverley Vintners, where he was their first Wine Development Manager, designing and running sales courses. Ten years later, in 1987, he joined Seagram – initially in the UK, then in 1993-1995 he spent two years as Global Marketing Manager for Martell, based in Cognac, France.
Ian returned to the UK in 1995 as Marketing Director and then Commercial Director for Seagram UK, also assuming General Management responsibility for the Nordic markets.
In 2002, Ian’s original passion for teaching brought him full circle when he joined the Wine & Spirit Education Trust as Chief Executive. Here Ian has overseen the transformation of WSET into the largest global organisation of its kind, with student numbers growing six-fold from 10,000 in 2002 to over 60,000 in 2015 across 60+ countries.
In 2014 Ian was named Drinks Business ‘Man of the Year’ followed in 2015 with WSET receiving the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade - the highest accolade for business in the UK.
Ian is married with 2 children and holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma. He also occasionally returns to his first love, teaching, particularly on the WSET’s Business and Commercial Knowledge (BACK) course held annually in the UK.
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is the world’s leading provider of qualifications in wines and spirits. Our programmes are designed for those who are just starting out in their careers, as well as established professionals, and the many enthusiasts who have a passion for wines and spirits.
WSET offers eight qualifications from 1-day beginner courses through to a specialist level 18-month diploma. Our qualifications can be accessed through a global network of over 600 course providers, and are available in 19 languages including Korean.
In South Korea there are currently five WSET course providers offering students up to the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines & Spirits. In the last Academic year 1588 students sat for a WSET exam in South Korea.
Our qualifications
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits
WSET Level 1 Award in Wine Service
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines and Spirits
WSET Level 3 Award in Sake
WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits
WSET의 대표 이사 이안 하리스(Ian Harris) 한국 방문 간담회 개최
WSET의 대표 이사 이안 하리스(Ian Harris)가 한국에 있는 WSET 인가 교육 기관과 WSET에 대해 더 알기를 원하시는 전문인들을 만나기 위해 오는 11월 9일에 한국 첫 방문을 합니다.
이번 간담회는 주류 업계에 종사하는 전문인, WSET 인가 교육 기관 (APP)이거나 되기를 희망하시는 분, WSET 교육 과정을 받았거나 관심이 있으신 분을 대상으로 하고 있습니다.
이 간담회에 참석을 희망하시는 분은 등록 신청을 반드시 해 주셔야 합니다. 등록 신청을 위해서는 본인의 이름, 직업, 참석 희망 이유를 이메일(akharchenko@wset.co.uk)로 10월 30일까지 보내시면 등록 신청을 받은 후 참가 여부를 별도로 회신을 한다고 합니다.
자료제공 Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET/U.K)