BBPA announces new chief executive

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has appointed Brigid Simmonds as its new chief executive.

Simmonds said she was delighted to be joining the BBPA: “I very much look forward to working with the industry to promote the positive role pubs and beer play in our economy, community and the daily lives of millions of people throughout the country.”

 “I relish the opportunity to take forward the agenda on socially responsible drinking and communicate the benefits of a product which is second to none,” she added.

Michael Turner, chairman of the BBPA said that Simmonds, who previously worked for 17 years as chief executive of Business In Sport and Leisure, which represents over 100 private sector commercial companies in the sports and leisure industry, would bring a wealth of experience to the role.

“Brigid has an excellent reputation and track record of working closely and effectively with ministers, officials and parliamentarians.  I feel confident that she will unite the industry, drive the agenda and continue the recent work of putting the BBPA on the front foot,” he said.

Simmonds, who is due to take up her new role on 7 September, is also chair of CCPR, the alliance of governing and representative bodies of sport and recreation in the UK.  

She is a past chairman of the Tourism Alliance and in June 2006 she was awarded an OBE for services to sport in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Pubs industry rejects plan for plastic pint glasses >>

Pubgoers join the opposition to a mandatory code for pubs >>

Marketing and deals help chain pubs and restaurants through the recession >>

By Emma White

E-mail your comments to Emma White here.

If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.caterersearch.com/tabletalk

Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next pub job here with Caterersearch.com jobs