Drinks Trust names chair and welcomes new patrons

The Drinks Trust charity has appointed Enotria & Coe CEO Troy Christensen chair of the board of trustees and welcomed three new patrons.

Christensen joined the charity’s board of trustees in 2018. He was appointed CEO of Enotria Wine Cellars in June 2014 and oversaw the acquisition of Coe Vintners in 2015.

He also brings 15 years’ experience in the drinks trade, including time spent working for Constellation Brands as chief executive officer of Accolade Wines from 2011 to 2013.

Christensen said: “This remarkable charity has represented and defended employees of the wine and spirits industry for over 100 years. After the unbelievable challenges 2020 presented to our industry through the impact of Covid and government policy, this is a very relevant time for The Drinks Trust.

“The support it offers can be life-changing and reminds us how we can give back through initiatives like The Drinks Community.

“Combined with the ongoing conversation about the creation of a minister for hospitality, the work of The Drinks Trust will be more important than ever in the next few years.”

Joining The Drinks Trust as patrons are: Ian Burrell, rum ambassador; Becky Paskin, spirits journalist and co-founder of Our Whisky; and Jaega Wise, drinks expert, TV and radio presenter.

They join existing patrons Matthew Rhys, Jancis Robinson MW OBE, Olly Smith, and founder patron Tom Yusef.

The Drinks Trust introduced the Patron programme in March 2020, designed to raise awareness of the charity and grow its reach and impact.

Yusef commented: “The help and time from our new patrons to further our causes whilst helping The Drinks Trust to reach new audiences is greatly appreciated. We are excited to be working with such dynamic and inspirational people in the drinks industry.”