Partington steps in to new WSTA role

Gavin Partington is to take on the role of interim chief executive at the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.

Partington, currently communications director at the organisation, will step into the role on a temporary basis as the WSTA continues its search for a successor to departing chief executive Jeremy Beadles.

Partington will take up his new role on 1 January and will work alongside Beadles until he leaves to join Heineken as corporate communications director.

Chairman Tim How, who is also set to depart the WSTA, and his replacement Nick Hyde, who is managing director of Diageo Wines Europe, are leading the hunt for Beadles’ permanent successor and it is hoped the position will be filled by April next year.

Speaking of Beadles’ six years at the WSTA helm, How said: “The last six years have seen a radical change in the way the WSTA works on behalf of our industry.

The Association’s standing with government and the media has never been higher.

“We have an excellent team working hard for our membership, which has grown in that time from 200 to 344 businesses.”