Portman Group appoints new Director of External Affairs

The Portman Group has named David Saer, its current Head of Policy and Public Affairs, as the group’s new Director of External Affairs.

Joining in 2019, David has led the Portman Group’s thought leadership on alcohol policy and engagement with policymakers across the UK. This includes commissioning the group’s annual survey of consumer attitudes to alcohol alternatives with YouGov and representing the group at the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership, Retail of Alcohol Standards Group and International Alliance for Responsible Drinking.

Prior to joining the Portman Group, he spent seven years in political and regulatory affairs consultancy, working for clients from a diverse range of sectors including food and consumer goods, aerospace ana biopharmaceuticals.

Nicola Bates will leave the Portman Group after five years as Director of Strategy and External Affairs: having been appointed as the new Chief Executive of WineGB – the trade association for English and Welsh Wine.

The Portman Group is the UK alcohol industry’s self-regulator for responsible marketing and promotion of alcoholic products.