BBPA swaps chairmen and adds pub muscle
By: JimOldfield
May 22nd, 2012
By Jim Oldfield
May 22 2012
The British Beer & Pub Association (BPPA) has shown shades of Heathrow over the past couple of weeks, with a rush of arrivals and departures at the top.
Flying OUT is Molson Coors chief exec, Mark Hunter, who has stepped down as BBPA chairman following his appointment by his brewery to head up a new, continental-Europe-based business unit following Molson Coors’ acquisition of StarBev.
Hunter has chaired the BBPA since December 2011, after chairing its finance committee from 2010. He has been a board member since 2009.
BBPA Chief Executive, Brigid Simmonds said: “I want to thank Mark for the huge contribution he has made to the BBPA over the past four years. He has given clear leadership for our strategic objectives, especially on how to persuade policy makers we need a growth agenda for the brewing and hospitality industry.
“Having a Chairman who is running a major company in the sector has also given us a wealth of knowledge and experience – and of course, a passion for beer and pubs. He will be very much missed.”
Jetting IN to replace him as chairman, is Shepherd Neame chief exec Jonathan Neame – who will bring all the experience of Britain’s oldest brewery to the association’s top job. The handover will take place before the end of June.
Barrister Jonathan has been a leading figure in the association for many years.
He is currently a BBPA vice chairman and executive board member, and will move over from his role as chairman of the BBPA Beer Group, where he has given strong strategic leadership to high-profile campaigns against excessive beer tax rises, and championing of beer.
Jonathan joined his Kent-based family firm – brewers for five generations – in 1991, becoming MD in 1999 and chief exec in 2003. He is also a non-executive director at the St Austell Brewery.
He said: “In Britain we should all cherish and celebrate the role of beer and pubs. They are vital to the country’s economic, social and cultural life and with the right support should be a driver of growth, investment and job creation.
“I am passionate about the industry and honoured to step into the role at this time.”
Ms Simmonds added: “I am delighted to welcome Jonathan, who brings huge experience of brewing and pubs.
“He is already a great champion of British beer, and also of the need for the industry to work closely together to ensure our voice carries weight with Government.”
Also INBOUND is one of the country’s biggest pub chains – after the BBPA unanimously approved admitting J D Wetherspoon as a member.
Welcoming the extra muscle provided by having its influential boss, Tim Martin, on board Ms Simmonds said: “Tim Martin has been a great advocate for our industry’s priorities, in particular the crucial issue of beer taxation, and the over-regulation of the sector.”
Mr Martin added: “Given the pressures we face, the industry needs a strong and united voice in its dealings with Government.
“The BBPA has a strong track record on the issues that are key to J D Wetherspoon. I look forward to adding our weight to the industry’s campaigns.”
