Drinks industry watchdog The Portman Group has named Nick Baird as its new Chair, effective from 1 February.
A former senior diplomat and business leader, Baird has a wealth of experience with a career spanning 30 years in government and several more in the private sector.
During three decades in government, he was Chief Executive of UK Trade and Investment, Ambassador to Turkey and Foreign and Commonwealth Office Director General Europe and Economic, as well as serving in various other posts in Europe and the Middle East. Most recently, he has been Chair of the Trade Remedies Authority and Chair of the charity Carers UK.
In the private sector, Baird was Group Corporate Affairs Director of the international energy company Centrica for eight years, as well as a Non-Executive Director of the international education company, Nord Anglia.
He replaces outgoing Chair Philip Rycroft, who is stepping down after five years in post.
The Portman Group’s independent Chair is responsible for chairing the Council which comprises the CEOs of the 18 member companies who fund the self-regulatory system.
Nick Baird, new Chair of the Portman Group, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Portman Group as their new Independent Chair and excited to work closely with the team to bring our member companies together and further encourage responsible best practice across the industry.
“The Portman Group has a remarkable record of highly effective self regulation over the last 30 years and as a big supporter of corporate social responsibility I’m looking forward to getting to work.”
