New BBPA chairman announced

Jonathan Neame, Chief Executive of Kent-based family brewer Shepherd Neame, is to be the new Chairman of the BBPA.

This follows the departure of Molson Coors Chief Executive Mark Hunter, who is taking up a role as head of a new, Europe-based business unit following Molson Coors’ acquisition of StarBev.

A handover will take place before the end of June.

Neame is currently a BBPA Vice Chairman and Executive Board member, he moves from his current role as Chairman of the BBPA’s future Beer Group, where he has been involved with BBPA’s campaigning against excessive beer tax rises, and it’s championing of beer as a category.

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.”

BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds added, “I am delighted to welcome Jonathan as our new Chairman, 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.”

Stefan Orlowski (Heineken UK Managing Director) is to become BBPA Vice Chairman and Paul Wells (Chief Executive, Charles Wells) a BBPA Director.