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Tesco lobbyist joins Portman Group as CEO
UK alcohol watchdog Portman Group has named Tesco’s EU and international government relations head John Timothy as its new chief executive.
John Timothy has been named chief executive of the Portman Group
Timothy’s appointment follows the resignation of Henry Ashworth, who has left the company to join the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking as its CEO.
Timothy previously spent 10 years at supermarket giant Tesco, where he worked across UK, Brussels and international operations in a number of communications and public affairs roles.
He most recently led Tesco’s strategy to respond to Brexit, working with senior business leaders and government.
Prior to joining Tesco, Timothy worked at the Britain-Israel Communications and Research Centre and started his career in parliament, working for the former Conservative MP Anne McIntosh.
“I am delighted that John is joining us as we look to strengthen our efforts to tackle alcohol-related harms and foster a balanced understanding of alcohol in our society,” said Sir Martin Narey, chairman of the Portman Group.
“The Portman Group’s members have led the way on alcohol responsibility and I’m confident that John’s experience and leadership will make an important contribution as we seek to build on the significant progress made in recent years.”
Timothy will join the organisation, which is funded by 10 member countries, on 19 June 2017.
He said: “I am delighted to be joining the Portman Group – a highly respected regulator and a leader in industry social responsibility. It is clear to me that the industry’s approach is having a positive impact with falling levels of alcohol misuse across the UK.
“We will strive to ensure that continues to be the case and I look forward to working closely with Portman Group members, and partners from all sectors, to help support these positive cultural changes and to tackle alcohol-related harms.”
Established in the UK in1989 by the UK’s leading alcohol producers, the Portman Group’s role is primarily to support responsible marketing among drinks brands.