BBPA appoints Brigid Simmonds as new chief executive

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has appointed Brigid Simmonds OBE to be its new chief executive.

She will take up her new role on September 7, after 17 years at Business in Sport and Leisure.

Simmonds, who was given an OBE in 2006 for services to sport, said: "I am delighted to be joining the BBPA. The pub is a hugely important British institution, at the heart of the nation's community and social life, and beer is our national drink.

"I very much look forward to working with the industry to promote the positive role pubs and beer play in our economy, community and the daily lives of millions of people throughout the country.

"I relish the opportunity to take forward the agenda on socially responsible drinking and communicate the benefits of a product which is second to none."

Simmonds will replace interim chief executive David Long - who took over from Rob Hayward earlier this year.

Michael Turner, the BBPA's chairman said: "I am delighted that Brigid is joining us.

"She brings with her a wealth of experience of working in and on behalf of the leisure industry and is very well versed in the many issues and challenges facing our sector.

"She has an excellent reputation and track record of working closely and effectively with ministers, officials and parliamentarians. I feel confident that Brigid will unite the industry, drive the agenda and continue the recent work of putting the BBPA on the front foot."