Brigid Simmonds will step down as chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) after 10 years in the role on 11 October.
She will become chairman of the new Betting and Gaming Council which will combine the Association of British Bookmakers with the Remote Gambling Association.
BBPA chairman Simon Emeny, the chief executive of Fuller’s, paid tribute to Simmonds’ “confidence, sharp intellect and humour” and said the “true force of nature” had raised the trade group’s profile.
“During her tenure, Brigid has led numerous successful campaigns to reduce beer duty and improve access for pubs to business rates relief.
“She has promoted the industry at Westminster and ensured the voice of brewers and licensed retailers has been heard loud and clear,” he said.
Simmonds “admirably” represented the industry during the Pub Code Inquiry and played a key role in the recently announced Sector Deal for Tourism.
Emeny added that she was “rapier-sharp” when negotiating with politicians and she had been “an incredible representative” of the sector.
The search for a new chief executive is underway.
