The Drinks Trust welcomes five new trustees to its board

The Drinks Trust has announced five new members to its charity Board of Trustees, each of which are experienced leaders in the drinks industry and drinks-led hospitality industry.

The members are Jennie Baernreuther, Ian Bray, Tim Clay, Hayley Easton, Paul Haslam and Tony Watson.

Paul Haslam is the managing director of Cesium Group, started his career in 2001 and has worked for a wide range of businesses from start-ups large to private equity backed multi-nationals, having set-up and managed headhunting and coaching businesses in the UK, UAE, South Africa, Spain and Portugal.

Founding The Cesium Group in 2010, Haslam and his team support the global drinks industry to solve complex talent problems, including headhunting, developing and delivering leadership development and coaching activities, building or restructuring whole organisations and associated outplacement activities.

Paul also hosts a podcast ‘learning from leaders’ interviewing drinks industry figures – discussing their leadership journey, principles and advice they would give to their younger- self with the power of hindsight.

Paul Haslam said: “Never has there been a greater need for the trust’s key pillars of ‘assist’, ‘develop’ and ‘restore’ as we collectively strive to meet the needs of an evolving industry whilst supporting those most in need.”

Jennie Baernreuther is the MD of The Glenturret. A spirits aficionado with over 20 years’ experience in the industry, Jen Baernreuther was recently appointed MD,  after previous roles as commercial director of Speciality Drinks Group which included drinks businesses: The Whisky Exchange, Speciality Drinks, Whisky.Auction and London Cocktail Week.

Ian Bray is the chief executive officer for Fentimans, a role he has held since January 2017. Prior to this, he spent 5 years as the managing director of London brewer Fuller Smith and Turner. He moved back to the UK for the role with Fuller’s from Geneva where he was the European MD for Bunge SA, a global grain trading company.

Tim Clay is the managing director at Asahi UK since January 2018, leading the team responsible for bringing premium beer and cider brands to the UK market, including Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Asahi Super Dry, Grolsch, Cornish Orchards, Meantime, Dark Star, and Fuller’s ales including London Pride. Previously, he was sales director for the company (2013-18) and prior to that he was with AB InBev from 1991.

Tony Watson is the general manager for EMEA and Canada of Treasury Wine Estates, with over 25 years of experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Currently serving as the general manager for EMEA & Canada, Watson has also had roles on the board of Carlsberg UK.

Ross Carter, CEO of The Drinks Trust, said: “We are honoured to introduce our four new trustees, each of whom has made a remarkable impact on our industry by developing and creating highly respected businesses and organizations.

“Their extensive knowledge is an invaluable asset to The Drinks Trust. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with them on our board to expand and enhance our services, ultimately reaching a broader audience and positively affecting the lives of many industry individuals.”