The UK’s nine leading drinks manufacturers have appointed Henry Ashworth as Chief Executive of the Portman Group.
Ashworth joins from the Cabinet Office Behavioural Insights Team where he was leading health policy. He said, “The Portman Group is already a highly respected alcohol regulator and is a key player in challenging the industry to address the adverse aspects of our drinking culture. I look forward to working closely with other groups to build a consensus around actions that promote responsible attitudes to alcohol. I firmly believe that self-regulation based on a tough code of practice that is rigorously monitored and enforced is the right way forward.”
He replaces David Poley who is leaving the alcohol industry after a career spanning nearly 15 years which has seen the creation of Drinkaware, the establishment of the Code and the introduction of the industry’s first digital marketing guidelines to regulate social media.
Ashworth will take over as Chief Executive on 24 October 2011.