BBPA appoints Nick Mackenzie as chairman

Having served as vice-chair since late 2020, Mackenzie now replaces St Austell Brewery chief executive Kevin Georgel as BBPA chairman, who has held the position since 2021.

The announcement was made at the organisation’s annual general meeting.

Mackenzie said it was a “real honour” to take on the position as BBPA chairman. He said it would give him an opportunity to “extol the virtues and value” of an industry he is passionate about.

Mackenzie has been chief executive at Greene King since May 2019.

He started his career in pubs at Bass and Allied and then went to a successful career at Merlin Entertainments, including holding the position of managing director at Midway Attractions.

The Greene King chief executive added: “This industry has a huge role to play in creating jobs, growing the economy and bringing people together in communities across the country.

“And, despite the challenges our industry faces, I see a very successful future for beer and pubs and I am looking forward working with the BBPA to help shape the long-term future for the sector.”

BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said Mackenzie’s leadership of Greene King and his time as vice-chair of BBPA confirms that he would help lead Britain’s beer and pub sector to new heights.

McClarkin also paid tribute to the outgoing chairman Georgel for his eight years of service on the board of the trade body, and his two years as chairman.

She said he had provided “invaluable support” to the BBPA’s work while taking St Austell Brewery to new levels of success.

Georgel said his time at the BBPA had been “extraordinary”. He continued: “I’m immensely proud of the BBPA team and all that has been achieved, during the most challenging of times, to support our sector and our members.

“I stand down with the association in good health, as it continues to modernise and evolve to meet the needs of pubs and breweries nationwide.

“Going into 2024, we have a refreshed, positive strategy and a strong, experienced Board who I know will continue to support Emma and the team.

“I’m delighted that Nick Mackenzie has agreed to be my successor, taking the association into its next chapter as the new Chairman.

“I’m confident he will receive the full support and endorsement of our members, as one of our industry’s biggest champions, and wish him all the best in his new role.”