WSTA appoints new chief executive

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has appointed Miles Beale as its new chief executive.

Beale will join the WSTA in June, until then Gavin Partingdon will continue in his interim role there.

Beale has joined from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, where he was deputy director for EU and International Agriculture policy.

He was also previously deputy director for European and global issues at the cabinet office and spent much of his early career working in local government.

WSTA Chairman Tim How said: “I am very pleased to welcome Miles to the WSTA.  He brings with him extensive experience across government, which will help the industry navigate a broad range of policy issues impacting the sector at both UK and EU level.”

Beale added: “I am delighted to be joining the WSTA team and look forward to supporting its members and the wine and spirit industry to maintain and improve its dialogue with government.

“Together we can chart an effective course between responsibility, growth and consumer choice.”