The Drinks Trust is pleased to announce the arrival of five new members to its charity Board of Trustees, each of them highly respected and experienced leaders in the drinks industry and drinks-led hospitality industry. They are Jennie Baernreuther, Ian Bray, Tim Clay, Paul Haslam and Tony Watson.
Jennie Baernreuther is the Managing Director of The Glenturret. A spirits aficionado with over 20 years’ experience in the industry, Jen Baernreuther has recently been appointed the Managing Director for The Glenturret Distillery. Jen joined The Glenturret from her previous role as Commercial Director of Speciality Drinks Group which included drinks businesses: The Whisky Exchange, Speciality Drinks, Whisky.Auction and London Cocktail Week, where she was incremental in driving the business transformation since it was acquired by drinks giant, Pernod Ricard in 2021. Jen joined The Whisky Exchange in 2007 to set up the B2B route-to-market business, Speciality Drinks, and her experience and passion for the industry is firmly rooted in the on-trade.
Ian Bray is the Chief Executive Officer for Fentimans, a role he has held since January 2017. Prior to this Ian spent 5 years as the Managing Director of Fuller Smith and Turner, a London based regional brewer. Ian moved back to the UK for the role with Fuller’s from Geneva where he was the European Marketing Director for Bunge SA, a global grain trading company. Earlier in his Career Ian was a Platform Managing Director for Wm Wrigley and he held numerous Sales and Marketing roles for Companies including Muller Dairy, SmithKline Beecham and Unilever Best Foods.
Tim Clay is the Managing Director at Asahi UK. Tim has been Managing Director of Asahi UK Ltd since January 2018, leading the team ( in total over 700 people) responsible for bringing exceptional 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, Tim Clay was Sales Director for the company (2013-18) and prior to that he was with ABInbev from 1991 (Whitbread at the beginning and ultimately becoming The Budweiser Brewing Group) to 2013 when left my final role there as On Trade, RTM and Ireland Sales Director( and UK board member).
Paul Haslam is the Managing Director of Cesium Group. Paul 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 Paul and his team support the global drinks industry to solve complex talent problems: via headhunting, developing and delivering leadership development and coaching activities, building or restructuring whole organisations and associated outplacement activities, partnering with some of the most iconic businesses and brands within our industry globally. 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.
Tony Watson is the General Manager for EMEA & Canada of Treasury Wine Estates. With over 25 years of experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, Tony Watson is a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to some of the leading drinks businesses in the UK and across Europe. Currently serving as the General Manager for EMEA & Canada, Tony brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in driving sales growth and strategic market expansion. Tony’s career highlights include his role as part of the board leadership team at Carlsberg UK, where he played a pivotal role in steering the company towards achieving its strategic objectives. His leadership and innovative approach to sales and marketing have consistently delivered outstanding results, cementing his reputation as a dynamic and influential figure in the industry.
Ross Carter, CEO of The Drinks Trust, said: “We are delighted to introduce our five new trustees, each of whom has made a remarkable impact on our industry by developing and creating highly respected organisations. Their extensive knowledge is an invaluable asset to The Drinks Trust. We eagerly anticipate working with them on our board to their help in enhancing our services and the lives of those in the industry we help.”
Jennie Baernreuther commented: “I am delighted to be joining the board of trustees at The Drinks Trust. The pandemic highlighted the fragility of the hospitality industry and how important it is to attract, develop and retain talent to develop a sustainable future of our industry. The Drinks Trust have been integral in supporting the industry and I look forward to contributing to the future direction and initiatives to develop this positive impact further.”
Ian Bray commented: “I am delighted to be invited to be a trustee of The Drinks Trust. The work they have done in the industry for the last 137 years is exemplary and I am proud to be able to help in a small way in the future.”
Tim Clay commented: “I am delighted to be asked to join the board of trustees of The Drinks Trust, I am committed to helping continue the great work that they already do for the people who need it most in the industry”
Paul Haslam commented: “I am delighted to be joining The Drinks Trust as a trustee and look forward to contributing towards the vital work they do supporting our fabulous industry and the talent within our sector. Never has there been a greater need for the Trusts 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.”
Tony Watson commented: “I am pleased to announce that I have joined the board of The Drinks Trust, an organisation dedicated to providing support and care for individuals in the drinks industry. The Drinks Trust plays a crucial role in supporting the wellbeing and professional development of those in our industry. I look forward to furthering the Trust’s mission and supporting the incredible individuals who make our industry so vibrant and dynamic. Thank you to The Drinks Trust for this opportunity. I am excited about the journey ahead and the positive changes we can achieve together.”
The Drinks Trust extends its heartfelt gratitude to Cesium Group for their invaluable support in selecting and recruiting our new Trustees. Your assistance has been instrumental in helping us make a significant difference in the lives of many individuals within our industry. To find out more about the Cesium Group please visit cesiumgroup.com and follow their Linkedln page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/cesium-group/
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Notes to the Editor
The Drinks Trust
The Drinks Trust is the drinks industry community organisation. Since 1886, The Drinks Trust has provided care and support to the people who form the drinks industry workforce, both past and present. Today we provide vocational, practical, emotional and financial support to those who are currently working, or have worked, in the UK drinks industry.
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