BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds to step down

Brigid Simmonds, the chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, is resigning from her post after 10 years.

BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds (Photo: BBPA)

Simmonds will step down on 11 October this year, and instead become the chairman of the Betting and Gaming Council; a newly-formed group combining the Association of British Bookmakers with the Remote Gambling Association.

The BBPA has not named a successor for Simmonds, but said the “search for a new chief executive is underway” in an emailed statement.

Simon Emeny, the chief executive of Fuller’s Inns and the BBPA’s chairman, said she led the organisation with “confidence, sharp intellect and humour when needed and has successfully raised the profile of the BBPA and its members with Government, media and other legislative organisations.

“During her tenure, Brigid has led numerous successful campaigns to reduce beer duty and improve access for pubs to business rates relief,” he said.

Simmonds, he said, also represented the industry during the Pub Code Inquiry during her time as CEO, and “played a key role in the recently announced Sector Deal for Tourism.”

Emeny said Simmonds is “a true force of nature and I feel privileged to have served alongside her.

“She is powerful in her arguments, passionate in her defence of great British beer and the great British pub, and rapier-sharp in negotiating with politicians. She has been an incredible representative of our sector and I know I speak on behalf of all the BBPA members when I say that the BBPA’s loss is most definitely the gambling industry’s gain.