CAMRA elects new chairman

Following an election of the campaign’s national executives in Cumbria last weekend (21 – 22 September), the consumer organisation has announced Ash Corbett-Collins will succeed Nik Antona as its new chairman.

Corbett-Collins has been vice chairman since November 2023 and has been a long-standing national executive member of the group for the past six years, having been elected to the board of the campaign in 2018.

“This is an exciting time to be taking on the role as the chairman of the campaign for real ale. 

Experience and knowledge 

“Holding the vice chairman position for the last ten months – along with other roles over the last six years – has given me the experience and knowledge to lead the organisation. 

“Effective leadership and collaboration for change is vital to safeguard our future. CAMRA ​is still as vital and relevant for consumers across the UK today as it was half a century ago", Corbett-Collins said. 

The process to elect a new Vice Chair is now underway, with the result expected in the autumn, CAMRA added.

Last month, CAMRA announced Corbett-Collins' predecessor, Antona, would be stepping down with immediate effect​ due to a serious illness.

Campaigning for change 

After serving as a volunteer for more than 20 years, he had held various roles within the group including regional director and national executive member as well as key positions such as finance director before his time as chairman. 

Corbett-Collins thanked Antona for his service and praised the outgoing chairman’s “hard work and dedication”.

He continued: “Our valued and loyal membership means we can work across all nations, whether this is campaigning for change, supporting our events and festivals, or protecting our cherished pubs and access to cask beer.

“I want to work together to continue to bring about change at a time where pubs, clubs, taprooms and breweries are facing uncertain times.”