The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has announced that it has appointed Brigid Simmonds OBE as its new chief executive.
Simmonds, who recently left her post as chief executive of Business in Sport and Leisure (BISL) after 17 years, will take up her new role on 7 September.
Brigid Simmonds said: "I am delighted to be joining the BBPA. The pub is a hugely important British institution, at the heart of the nation's community and social life, and beer is our national drink.
"I very much look forward to working with the industry to promote the positive role pubs and beer play in our economy, community and the daily lives of millions of people throughout the country.
I relish the opportunity to take forward the agenda on socially responsible drinking and communicate the benefits of a product which is second to none."
Michael Turner, chairman of the BBPA said: "I am delighted that Brigid is joining us. She brings with her a wealth of experience of working in and on behalf of the leisure industry and is very well versed in the many issues and challenges facing our sector.
"She has an excellent reputation and track record of working closely and effectively with ministers, officials and parliamentarians. I feel confident that Brigid will unite the industry, drive the agenda and continue the recent work of putting the BBPA on the front foot."
