The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) has appointed Punch Taverns’ Brian Davidson as its new President, succeeding Diageo’s Mark Baird, who steps down after a year in the role.
Brigid Simmonds, SBPA Chief Executive, commented, “I am delighted to welcome Brian to the role of President of the SBPA. Through his role as Punch Taverns’ Operations Director for Scotland, Brian brings a wealth of experience in the Scottish pub trade to his new role as President of the SBPA, which I am sure will benefit the Association greatly, and I look forward to working with him.
“I would also like to thank Mark Baird for all his work as President of the SBPA for the last year, and for his many years of support whilst at Diageo, particularly around social responsibility initiatives. He will be very much missed.”
New SBPA President, Brian Davidson, added, “I am hugely honoured to be taking on the role of SBPA President. The Scottish beer and pub industry supports almost 60,000 jobs, and contributes over £1.7 billion to the economy of Scotland every year.
'As President, I will continue Mark’s work to ensure the Scottish beer and pub industry’s priorities remain at the top of the policy agenda here in Scotland.
“I’d like to thank Mark Baird for his contribution over the past year, and hope to build on his good work.”
Outgoing SBPA President, Mark Baird commented, “I would like to wish Brian all the best in his new role as President, and offer my congratulations. We all very much look forward to working with him as our new SBPA President.”