Kate Wilson is the new editor of Marie Claire SA

Says Jane Raphaely, CEO of Associated Magazines, "We are delighted to appoint Kate to the position of editor of Marie Claire magazine. Everything she has done has been the perfect preparation for this appointment and most recently, the tremendous gains House and Leisure made under her leadership have shown how she can make a title fly."

Laurence Hembert, International Executive Director of Marie Claire, who was in Cape Town this week says: "Kate is the ideal editor for Marie Claire, having a strong journalistic background, an open mind for women's issues, but also a passion for fashion and beauty."

Wilson has been with Associated Magazines for over two years, starting out as deputy editor of Marie Claire. In March 2004 Wilson was appointed editor of House and Leisure magazine.

Wilson's editorial career began at university where she was the editor of the University of Cape Town's official student newspaper. She spearheaded the team which launched the successful SL magazine in 1994. She was the editor and publishing director of this title for six years. Wilson furthered her career in the United Kingdom and was promoted to deputy editor of Hotdog magazine and later took on the role of chief sub editor at Maxim.

Commenting on her new position at Marie Claire, Wilson says that the title has seen a recent shift towards more glamorous, trendsetting fashion and beauty. "Marie Claire is highly regarded around the world as the thinking women's fashion magazine. As editor I plan to capitalise on the brand's iconic status and ensure that Marie Claire remains the leading fashion/features title in South Africa. I look forward to the challenge that lies ahead."

In her last month at House and Leisure, Wilson will be involved in the appointment of that new editor. Her first issue of Marie Claire will be the February 2006 issue and will be available on the newsstands on 18 January 2006.