Portman Group appoints new chairman

Alcohol responsibility body, the Portman Group, has appointed a new chairman to replace Seymour Fortescue who stepped down in June.

Sir Martin Narey

Sir Martin Narey, the former chief executive of Barnardo’s and CEO of the National Offender Management Service steps into the role and will now lead the group alongside chief executive Henry Ashworth.

Narey said: “I am delighted to take on this role. I know, and have seen, the damage that alcohol can cause. But I also believe that when it is enjoyed responsibly, alcohol brings enjoyment to many and makes a positive contribution to our society.

“I have been impressed by the commitment from senior drinks businesses to marketing their products responsibly and I look forward to working with them in helping further to reduce the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol.”

Following his appointment Narey has stepped down from his role as chair of the Independent Complaints Panel and Jenny Watson, who is currently chair of the electoral commission, will step into this role.

Watson said: “I look forward to working with the Panel to ensure that complaints under the Portman Group’s Code of Practice continue to receive the rigorous independent scrutiny which is an important part of any self-regulatory process.”

Sir Martin and Jenny were both appointed following a national recruitment campaign.

Henry Ashworth, chief executive of the Portman Group and co-chair of the Government’s Responsibility Deal Alcohol network commented on the two appointments: “I am delighted to welcome Sir Martin and Jenny to the Portman Group. Both these roles are fundamental to the effective and respected operation of the self-regulatory system that governs responsible alcohol marketing in the UK.”