BBPA appoints Nick Mackenzie as chairman

Greene King CEO Nick Mackenzie has been elected the new chairman of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).

Having served as vice-chair since late 2020, Mackenzie (pictured) now replaces St Austell Brewery CEO Kevin Georgel as BBPA chairman, who had held the position since 2021.

"I would like to pay tribute to our outgoing chairman Kevin Georgel for his eight years of service on the board of the BBPA, and especially for his work in the last two years as our chairman," says Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA. "He has provided invaluable support to the BBPA’s work in that time, all while taking St Austell Brewery to new heights of success at the same time.

"I am very pleased that Nick Mackenzie has today become the new chairman of the BBPA. His leadership of Greene King over the last four years, and his time as vice-chair, confirms to me that he will help lead Britain’s beer and pub sector to new heights as the BBPA continues to fight for our nation’s brewers and pubs."

Mackenzie, who has been CEO at Greene King since May 2019, started his career in pubs at Bass and Allied, and subsequently went on to a career at Merlin Entertainments, including holding the position of managing director at Midway Attractions. 

"The last years serving as chairman - and eight on the board - have been extraordinary," says Georgel. "I’m immensely proud of the BBPA team and all that has been achieved, during the most challenging of times, to support our sector and our members.

"I stand down with the association in good health, as it continues to modernise and evolve to meet the needs of pubs and breweries nationwide. Going into 2024, we have a refreshed, positive strategy and a strong, experienced board who I know will continue to support Emma and the team."

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