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29th January 2025

Portman Group appoints Nick Baird as new Chair

The Portman Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Nick Baird as its new Chair.

As a former senior diplomat and business leader, Nick has a wealth of experience with an impressive career spanning thirty years in government and several more in the private sector.

During his 30 years in government, Nick was Chief Executive of UK Trade and Investment, Ambassador to Turkey and Foreign and Commonwealth Office Director General Europe and Economic, as well as serving in various other posts in Europe and the Middle East.  Most recently, he has been Chair of the Trade Remedies Authority and Chair of the charity, Carers UK.

During his time in the private sector, Nick was Group Corporate Affairs Director of the international energy company Centrica for 8 years, as well as a Non-Executive Director of the international education company, Nord Anglia.

The Portman Group’s independent Chair is responsible for chairing the Council which comprises the CEOs of the 18 member companies who fund the self-regulatory system.

Nick was chosen from a strong field of candidates and the Portman Group was assisted in the selection by Spencer Stuart.

Nick will replace outgoing Chair Philip Rycroft who is stepping down after five years in post. Nick will formally take up the role on the 1st February.

Nick Baird, new Chair of the Portman Group, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Portman Group as their new Independent Chair and excited to work closely with the team to bring our member companies together and further encourage responsible best practice across the industry. The Portman Group has a remarkable record of highly effective self regulation over the last 30 years and as a big supporter of corporate social responsibility I’m looking forward to getting to work.”

Matt Lambert, Chief Executive of the Portman Group added: “I’m delighted to welcome Nick as our new Chair, and have no doubt with his vast and impressive experience across government and the private sector that he will bring a huge amount of insight to the alcohol industry. I would like to also take this opportunity to say a big thank you to our departing Chair Philip Rycroft who has made an incredible impact during his five years at the Portman Group.”

Notes to editors  

  1. Images provided
  2. A spokesperson is available for interviews upon request.
  3. The Portman Group was formed in 1989. It is the alcohol industry regulator and social responsibility body. It has over 160 Code signatories from producers, retailers and membership bodies.
  4. The Portman Group is funded by 20 member and associate member companies: Asahi UK Ltd, Aston Manor Cider, Bacardi, Beam Suntory, Brown-Forman, Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I, Campari, C&C, Coca-Cola GB, Diageo GB, Edrington UK,  Heineken UK, Mark Anthony Brands International, Mast-Jäegermeister UK, Molson Coors Beverage Company, Pernod Ricard UK, Punch Pubs & Co, SHS Drinks, Thatchers, and Treasury Wine Estates.
  5. The Code of Practice for the Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic Drinks was first published in 1996. In 2021, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Code. The Code seeks to ensure that alcohol is promoted in a socially responsible way, only to those aged 18 and over, and in a way that does not appeal particularly to those who are vulnerable. The Code has helped create an industry that works effectively within the context of a self-regulatory model, while encouraging design, innovation and creativity. This has been done in an effective, responsive and inexpensive way.
  • Effectively – over 170 products have been amended or removed from the market. Many hundreds more have been helped to adhere to the Code before appearing on shelves through the support of the Advisory Service;
  • Responsively – there have been five updates to the Code over 25 years responding to changes in public attitudes and expanding its reach; all without recourse to Government or Parliamentary time;
  • Inexpensively – the leading members of the industry are currently funding the model for all to be protected at no cost to the public purse.

Contact: Daisy Collingwood, dcollingwood@portmangroup.org.uk

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