BII names new head of membership recruitment

The BII has named Graham Threader as its new head of membership recruitment, which the trade body describes as a new position.

Threader, who has joined the organisation already, will spearhead a drive for new members as head of membership development, reporting into BII chief executive Neil Robertson.

In a bid to cut costs the BII underwent a restructuring process in August, which saw the departure of director of membership Steve Howe and marketing director Sue Medhurst.

The BII, which numbers 15,000 members, said Threader's main task will be "to work on fresh initiatives to significantly increase BII's membership and to review the membership structure and benefits package BII offers to members in traditional and non-traditional markets".

Meanwhile, the BII anticipates appointing a new director of business development in the next month or so, to whom Threader will ultimately report.

Threader previously worked as a director of Waverly TBS, which was then part of Scottish and Newcastle's UK drinks wholesale business. He began his career at Coca Cola Schweppes as a graduate trainee.

Robertson said Threader's strategic business development background, along with his drive and enthusiasm "make him a real asset to the company. I look forward to working with him".