CAMRA appoints new chief executive and deputy chief executive
The pair will take up their respective roles this month.
Stainer has worked for CAMRA since 2006, after a previous career as a journalist at The Morning Advertiser and the editor of its Scottish publication.
He joined the organisation as editor of its membership publication What’s Brewing and helped to launch its BEER magazine. In 2014, he took on the role of chief of communications, and further adopted the responsibility for campaigns in early 2018.
Owst was appointed as CAMRA’s chief support officer in May 2018, an area of the group he will continue to oversee.
He previously worked as finance director at Beales Department Stores, with a retail career spanning more than two decades. He also completed a stint as director of finance and corporate services at a national children's' charity and will continue his role as company secretary for the organisation.
Support for volunteers
CAMRA national chairman Jackie Parker said: “I am delighted that Tom and Ken will be taking up their new roles as 2019 gets underway, and am confident they’ll provide strong support for our volunteer leadership and lead our dedicated professional team at head office to build on our campaigning successes.”
New chief executive Stainer said he held a great affection for the organisation, having worked for it for more than a decade and would prioritise issues such as the pubs code and business rates.
He continued: “The campaign is an incredible and unique organisation, entirely as a result of its dedicated and passionate volunteers.
“My job now is to help our national executive develop the strategy to continue CAMRA’s growth, support our branches and continue to deliver effective campaigning - especially to ensure the pubs code is working as intended, to protect pubs from unfair business rates and to ensure tax on beer served in pubs is reduced.”
Deputy chief executive Owst said he wanted to ensure the organisation’s systems and staff continue to develop to their full potential to give the most effective help to its volunteers.
He said: “Since arriving at CAMRA it has been apparent that all the CAMRA staff are committed and keen to be as effective as possible in supporting our members to organise great festivals and effective campaigns across the country.”
