David Forde, managing director of Heineken UK, has become chairman of the British Beer and Pub Association at its AGM. He succeeds Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Shepherd Neame.
David has been with Heineken for 27 years and took up his current role in 2013. He was previously managing director of Heineken Ireland, following a number of senior commercial roles across the global business. He already plays an active role in the work of the BBPA, serving on its board since January 2015.
In a further new appointment, Simon Emeny, chief executive of Fuller’s, who is already a BBPA board member, becomes a BBPA vice-chairman, jointly with Simon Townsend of Enterprise Inns.
BBPA chief executive, Brigid Simmonds, said: “I congratulate David, who brings huge strengths and experience to this leading industry role, and we all look forward to working with him in the year ahead.
“I would also like to thank Jonathan Neame, who has been a hugely successful chairman these past three years, and we are so grateful to him for his service to the industry. I would like to highlight his work helping the industry achieve a hat-trick of beer duty cuts. I know he will continue to play an active and influential role in our work.”
David Forde said: “I am delighted to be taking over this role today. Jonathan has done a superb job representing our industry, and I look forward to working closely with the BBPA team and its member companies over the next year.”
Jonathan Neame added: “I want to thank Brigid and the BBPA team for all their support and hard work over the past three and a half years. David brings huge experience to the role and is already an active voice within the BBPA, He will provide a great lead on strategic direction and moving the BBPA forward.”