Nicky Burston has been appointed chief executive of The Drinks Trust, which is dedicated to supporting people in the UK’s drinks and hospitality industry.
With a strong background in the sector, Nicky steps into the role with a commitment to enhancing the trust’s initiatives, which include providing financial assistance, wellbeing services, and educational programmes to industry professionals.
Her appointment comes at a crucial time as the industry faces ongoing challenges. Her leadership is expected to drive new strategies to expand the trust’s reach and impact, especially in addressing the needs of both current and former industry members facing hardship.
“It’s great to be able to promote Nicky from within The Drinks Trust to be our new CEO,” said Guy Lawrence, chair of trustees. “She brings a wealth of relevant experience that will help stand the charity in good stead for the future and all the challenges that brings.”
With 30 years of experience in the industry, Nicky has worked in a multitude of roles in the drinks trade throughout her professional life, including creating and running her own successful UK Agency.
Latterly, she has worked as a consultant supporting organisations in different senior leadership roles, spanning from marketing and communications to sales and board strategy, in various areas of the drinks trade, from premium mineral water to spirits and craft beer.
She said: “Since I joined The Drinks Trust in 2020, it has been highly rewarding to be part of such a small but dynamic team, who have achieved so much in recent years, and I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead the charity into the future.
“There are going to be some tough challenges ahead, but I really look forward to reaching out to partners in the coming weeks to discuss how we can come together to address these challenges and support our colleagues in need.”
