Jeremy Beadles WSTA: my leaders and mentors

As we celebrate Christmas we also look to the year with a series of articles from key figures in the trade. First up is Jeremy Beadles, chief executive, Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

Who do you see as the leading figures in the UK drinks industry and why?
I am very lucky with my executive board, which includes 20 of the leading figures in the industry. With the likes of Dan Jago, Troy Christensen, Greg Wilkins, Jonathan Stordy and Patrick McGrath amongst others there aren't too many shrinking violets either.

Who have been the biggest influencers in your career?
I have been very lucky in my two chairmen at the WSTA - Tim How and Christopher Carson - both have great business experience and a real love of the trade. Bill Moyes, my director general at the British Retail Consortium had a very big impact on shaping my career and giving me the confidence to have a go.

Who do you see as being the stars of the future and why?
I have a few in my own team who probably don't get anywhere near enough credit for the work they do. Amy Hefford has spent the year challenging the Scottish government's plans in Edinburgh; Sarah Davis has ably navigated the corridors of Whitehall to make sense of the mandatory code; and Gavin Partington has provided a credible face and voice for the industry on TV and on radio.

What is the biggest leadership challenge facing the drinks industry in 2010?
Uniting as an industry to face down the public health campaigners who are intent on bans and taxes, whilst engaging politicians to show that the industry has a role in becoming part of the solution rather than the problem.

Comments (0)

Show/Hide comments

Show/Hide comment form