The Drinks Trust is pleased to announce the arrival of five new members to its charity board of trustees, each of them highly respected and experienced leaders in the drinks industry and drinks-led hospitality industry.
Jennie Baernreuther is the MD of The Glenturret.
A spirits aficionado with over 20 years’ experience in the industry, Jen Baernreuther has recently been appointed the MD for The Glenturret Distillery. Jen joined The Glenturret from her previous role as commercial director of Speciality Drinks Group which included drinks businesses: The Whisky Exchange, Speciality Drinks, Whisky.Auction and London Cocktail Week, where she was incremental in driving the business transformation since it was acquired by Pernod Ricard in 2021.
Jen joined The Whisky Exchange in 2007 to set up the B2B route-to-market business, Speciality Drinks, and her experience and passion for the industry is firmly rooted in the on-premise.
“The pandemic highlighted the fragility of the hospitality industry and how important it is to attract, develop and retain talent to develop a sustainable future of our industry,” said Baernreuther. “The Drinks Trust have been integral in supporting the industry and I look forward to contributing to the future direction and initiatives to develop this positive impact further.”
Ian Bray is CEO for Fentimans, a role he has held since January 2017.
Prior to this Ian spent five years as MD of Fuller Smith & Turner, a London-based regional brewer. Ian moved back to the UK for the role with Fuller’s from Geneva where he was the European marketing director for Bunge, a global grain trading company.
Earlier in his career, Ian was a platform MD for Wm Wrigley and has held sales & marketing roles for companies including Muller Dairy, SmithKline Beecham and Unilever Best Foods.
“The work that The Drinks Trust has done in the industry for the last 137 years is exemplary,” said Bray. “I am proud to be able to help in a small way in the future.”
Tim Clay is MD at Asahi UK.
Tim has held his current role since January 2018, leading the team (in total, over 700 employees) responsible for bringing exceptional premium beer and cider brands to the UK market, including Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Asahi Super Dry, Grolsch, Cornish Orchards, Meantime, Dark Star and Fuller’s ales including London Pride.
Previously, Tim Clay was sales director for the company (2013-18) and prior to that he was with Anheuser-Busch Inbev from 1991 (Whitbread at the beginning and ultimately becoming The Budweiser Brewing Group) to 2013. His final role with the group was on-trade, RTM & Ireland sales director (and UK board member).
“I am committed to helping continue the great work that The Drinks Trust already does for the people who need it most in the industry,” said Clay.
Paul Haslam is MD of Cesium Group.
Paul started his career in 2001 and has worked for a wide range of businesses from start-ups large to private equity-backed multi-nationals, having set up and managed headhunting and coaching businesses in the UK, UAE, South Africa, Spain and Portugal.
Founding The Cesium Group in 2010, Paul and his team support the global drinks industry to solve complex talent problems: via headhunting, developing and delivering leadership development and coaching activities, building or restructuring whole organisations and associated outplacement activities, partnering with some of the most iconic businesses and brands within our industry globally. Paul also hosts a podcast, ‘Learning from Leaders’, interviewing drinks industry figures – discussing their leadership journey, principles and advice they would give to their younger-selves with the power of hindsight.
“I look forward to contributing towards the vital work The Drinks Trust does supporting our fabulous industry and the talent within our sector,” said Haslam. “Never has there been a greater need for the trusts key pillars of assist, develop and restore as we collectively strive to meet the needs of an evolving industry whilst supporting those most in need.”
Tony Watson is the EMEA & Canada GM at Treasury Wine Estates.
With over 25 years of experience in the FMCG sector, Tony is a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to some of the leading drinks businesses in the UK and across Europe. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in driving sales growth and strategic market expansion.
Tony’s career highlights include his role as part of the board leadership team at Carlsberg UK, where he played a pivotal role in steering the unit towards achieving its strategic objectives. His leadership and innovative approach to sales and marketing have consistently delivered outstanding results, cementing his reputation as a dynamic and influential figure in the industry.
“The Drinks Trust plays a crucial role in supporting the wellbeing and professional development of those in our industry,” said Watson. “I look forward to furthering the trust’s mission and supporting the incredible individuals who make our industry so vibrant and dynamic. I am excited about the journey ahead and the positive changes we can achieve together.”
“We are honoured to introduce our new trustees, each of whom has made a remarkable impact on our industry by developing and creating highly respected businesses and organizations,” said Ross Carter, CEO of The Drinks Trust. “Their extensive knowledge is an invaluable asset to The Drinks Trust.
“We eagerly anticipate collaborating with them on our board to expand and enhance our services, ultimately reaching a broader audience and positively affecting the lives of many industry individuals.
“The Drinks Trust extends its heartfelt gratitude to Cesium Group for their invaluable support in selecting and recruiting our new Trustees. Their assistance has been instrumental in helping us make a significant difference in the lives of many individuals within our industry.”
