With 27 years of experience, Welham has held a number of senior operations, executive and board-level roles across a variety of businesses.
He is currently chief customer officer at S4labour and was formerly CEO of pub group Wadworth.
LTC chairman Ludovick Halik said: “I’m delighted to announce Chris Welham will be joining the LTC as its new chief executive officer.
“With his extensive experience, deep understanding of the sector and undoubted passion for the people driving every facet of the licensed trade, it’s clear he is the ideal custodian of this historic institution.
“His vision for the LTC is an inspiring one and the board is confident under this management, the charity will continue to adapt and grow to effectively meet the needs of this ever-changing industry and the people working in it.”
Career development
Welham will be succeeding Brewster who will be retiring at the end of April this year after 16 years at the LTC.
From 1 March, Brewster will hand the reins over to Welham and will continue to support the organisation during the transition period. During Brewster’s tenure, sector awareness has increased from 3% to 27%.
On this time with the organisation, he said: “I am proud of all we have achieved at the LTC and our three schools in my time here and I am especially proud of the part I have played in the career development of so many of our staff.
“I am confident Chris will lead our organisation into an exciting future and I wish him and the whole team the very best for the future.”
On his new appointment, Welham said he had long admired the work the charity does.
Incredible support
He added: [I] am thrilled to be taking on the role of CEO of this great organisation.
“The LTC has been around for more than 200 years, providing incredible support to people in our sector and I am very much looking forward to working with the team to continue to make a difference to people in need.”
The charity has been helping individuals in need from across the licensed hospitality sector since 1793.
Today, it aids more people than ever with practical, emotional and financial support as well as running three successful independent schools.
