South African table grape industry organisation Sati has announced the appointment of Mecia Petersen as its new chief executive.

She replaces AJ Griesel, who left the industry body at the end of May, and will assume her new role on 1 July.

Petersen joined Sati in March 2022 and has managed numerous key projects and initiatives in support of maintaining South Africa’s position as a preferred global supplier of table grapes.

Sati said that she was instrumental in executing projects aligned with its strategic objectives, including collation of the Sati levy application, managing in-destination market development campaigns, implementing communications initiatives and various other projects.

The announcement of Petersen’s appointment followed a thorough recruitment process.

Sati chairperson Anton Viljoen welcomed Petersen’s appointment and pointed out that she had demonstrated commitment to both the organisation and industry.

“Her skills and expertise are well placed to lead Sati towards its objective of maintaining South Africa’s position in key export markets whilst developing markets where opportunity for South African table grapes exists,” he explained.

The organisation stated that Petersen’s collaborative approach was aligned with its objective of building and maintaining productive private-public working relationships.

“I look forward to working with the Sati team to bring innovative and fresh ideas to the industry,” said Petersen. ”I am excited at the opportunity to contribute impactfully to one of South Africa’s key economic sectors and am proud to be a woman in agri.”

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