Wine and Spirit Trade Association chief executive Jeremy Beadles is to leave the organisation for a new position with brewer Heineken UK.
Jeremy Beadles (pictured) has been at the head of the WSTA for six years, during which period alcohol has become a hot item on the political agenda, sparking debates on minimum pricing and rising excise duty rates.
Describing his time with the WSTA as ‘fantastic’, Beadles paid tribute to former and current chairmen Christopher Carson and Tim How, and thanked all those who had helped the organisation to grow and develop.
Membership of the WSTA has grown from 200 to 344 businesses in the past six years, including the merger with the Gin & Vodka Association this year.
‘The last six years have seen a radical change in the way the WSTA works on behalf of our industry and I would like to thank Jeremy for his tremendous contribution to this,’ said Tim How.
‘The Association’s standing with Government and the media has never been higher… On behalf of the Board and the members I wish Jeremy every success in the future.’
The job has not all been plain sailing, however, as Twitter traffic on news of his resignation made clear. Bordeaux Chateau Bauduc owner Gavin Quinney tweeted, ‘UK duty’s gone up enormously on his watch. Time for new influence in corridors of power.’
But Tesco drinks chief Dan Jago replied swiftly, ‘It would have been a lot worse without Jeremy too.’
Beadles is to take up the role of corporate relations director with Heineken UK, leaving the WSTA in January.
A replacement chief executive is expected to be announced in the near future.
Written by Richard Woodard, and Adam Lechmere
