Drinks charity The Benevolent names new chairman

The Benevolent, a charity that supports members of the drinks trade, has named Tom Yusef as its new chairman, who takes over from Dan Townsend after a successful two years in the role.

(L-R) David Cox, Tom Yusef and Robert Rolls, master vintner

Yusef has more than 40 years’ experience in the freight forwarding sector, first with Ferry Freighting Group then as chairman and joint managing director of drinks logistics specialist JF Hillebrand.

“Tom has an enviable knowledge of the UK drinks industry and a deep understanding of the needs of vulnerable colleagues of the trade”, the Benevolent said. “Moreover, having been a long-standing supporter of The Benevolent both personally and through his company for years, Tom has pledged to use his extensive expertise and contacts to further raise the profile of The Benevolent within the UK drinks industry and encourage an increase in engagement and financial support from the wider trade.”

Tom Yusef’s two year appointment as chairman was announced at The Vintners’ Company Annual Wine Trade Lunch on Friday, 13 January.

“I am honoured, privileged and delighted to be appointed Chairman of The Benevolent, our own trade charity.” said Yusef. “I am looking forward to working with a professional and committed team lead by a very dedicated Chief Executive David Cox. I shall of course do my utmost in the interest of those whose benefit we strive to serve.”

The lunch was also an opportunity to present Verity Milns, corporate communications manager at Liberty Wines, with the Vintners’ Benevolent Award, established in 2013 to acknowledge and celebrate an individual who has actively helped raise awareness of The Benevolent and its work. Jo Cain from William Grant & Sons was also presented with a special award as ‘Long-time Supporter of The Benevolent’.

At the end of the lunch a cheque for £12,500, the revenue generated by the lunch, was passed to The Benevolent from The Vintners’ Company, which will be used to support its efforts to aid colleagues from the UK drinks industry facing serious illness, financial hardship or personal crises.

“The charity is indebted to the Vintners’ who donate the entire revenue from the lunch which helps enormously with our fundraising,” said David Cox, chief executive of The Benevolent. “I would like to express my sincere thanks to Dan Townsend for his terrific leadership and support and I look forward to working with Tom who I know will be an exemplary Chairman”.

(L-R) David Cox, Verity Milns and Robert Rolls, master vintner