Neil is the Managing Director UK & Ireland for William Grant and Sons, the UK’s leading independent distiller and leading premium spirits business in the UK, with brands including Hendricks, Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Monkey Shoulder and Reyka. Graduating from Southampton University in physics and chemistry, Neil has extensive board level experience across a variety of blue chip FMCG and drink businesses including Exxon, Mars, PepsiCo and in the wine industry with Treasury Wine Estates.

Neil has particular passions for developing high performing teams and culture; for building brands globally and locally; and for developing deep partnership relationships between suppliers and retailers. A dual British and Australian citizen, Neil lives in Teddington and has a passion for sport, in particular Spurs where he is a long-suffering season ticket holder.

Jennie Baernreuther is the founder and director of BAERN Consulting, specialising in strategic consulting for the global drinks industry. With over 20 years of commercial leadership experience, Jennie combines extensive industry knowledge with a proven track record in driving growth and profitability for both founder-led independents and multinational corporations.

Prior to establishing BAERN, Jennie spent 17 years at Speciality Drinks within The Whisky Exchange group, where she played a pivotal role in its evolution into a leading global route-to-market, later facilitating its integration into Pernod Ricard. Most recently, she served as Managing Director at The Glenturret, where she secured essential funding, enhanced profitability, and developed a robust global distribution strategy.

Ian Bray is the Chief Executive officer for Fentimans, a role he has held since January 2017. Prior to this, Ian spent 5 years as the Managing Director of Fuller Smith and Turner, a London-based regional brewer. Ian moved back to the UK for the role with Fuller’s from Geneva where he was the European Marketing Director for Bunge SA, a global grain trading company. Earlier in his career, Ian was a Platform Managing Director for Wm Wrigley, and he held numerous Sales and Marketing roles for Companies including Muller Dairy, SmithKline Beecham and Unilever Best Foods.

Over the many years of being part of the drinks industry, it has become clear that I have TWO families. My biological one and my SPIRITUAL one, made up from some of the most amazing people that I have had the pleasure to worked with in the UK. The Drinks Trust is like another family member who is there, if needed, for that extra support and guidance. I'm honoured that I was asked to be a patron, to support and create even more awareness for the Drinks Trust community.

Ryan qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Dixon Wilson in London working across disciplines focusing on SME’s, Charities, and High Net Worth Individuals before moving into industry.  Ryan has gone on to work in a variety of finance roles within SME’s in several industries before moving to Mentzendorff, UK distributors for Champagne Bollinger and Taylor’s Port, in 2018 where he is now Finance Director.  Ryan brings a wealth of finance experience on an operational and strategic level and was appointed to the Board of Trustees in July 2025 and is the charity’s Honorary Treasure.

Tim has been Managing Director of Asahi UK Ltd since January 2018, leading the team ( in total over 700 people) responsible for bringing exceptional premium beer and cider brands to the UK market, including Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Asahi Super Dry, Grolsch, Cornish Orchards, Meantime, Dark Star, and Fuller’s ales including London Pride. Previously, Tim Clay was Sales Director for the company (2013-18) and prior to that he was with ABInbev  from 1991  (Whitbread at the beginning and ultimately becoming The Budweiser Brewing Group) to 2013 when  left my final role there as On Trade, RTM and Ireland Sales Director( and UK board member).

Martin Dibben, known as Misterbubblesuk, through association with Champagne and other sparkling wine, delivers tastings, masterclasses, broadcast appearances and The Bubbly Show. He co-founded Premier Crew, a specialist consultancy delivering venue marketing solutions, premium event services, and wine trade consultancy. 

He has over 30 years' experience of working in charities and currently serves as Consul (UK) for the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne and also President of the Réunion des Gastronomes. 

Hayley Easton is Head of Spirits at Tesco. Hayley comments her appointment to The Drinks Trust Board of Trustees: "I’m honoured to join the Board of Trustees at The Drinks Trust, a charity whose commitment to supporting the drinks and hospitality community is both vital and inspiring. As the industry faces evolving challenges, I’m proud to contribute to a charity that champions well-being, education, and inclusivity, and I’m committed to helping shape a future where every member of our industry feels supported”.

Nicky has been at the forefront of drinks communications for over 20 years and is the Managing Director of Phipps Relations the award-winning food and drink communications agency.

She heads up Wines of Germany in the UK and her team handles campaigns for Wines from Rioja, Adnams, Lay & Wheeler, Marks & Spencer, Whitley Neill Gin, JJ Whitley, The International Wine Challenge, Koshu of Japan and The Portuguese Cork Producers Association.

Georgina Haughton is Head of Wine Buying at Sainsbury's where she has worked for the last eight years. Prior to being promoted into the current role she was Premium Wine Buyer for six years. She started her career in the wine trade at PLB Group where she worked in the Off Trade team for seven years before joining Sainsbury's in 2016. During her time at PLB she completed her Diploma in WInes & Spirits and served on the Buddies of Benevolent Committee...a precursor to the Drinks Trust. Georgina is a passionate supporter of the wine industry, is a member of the Vintners Livery Company and was recently invested into the Chevaliers du Tastevin recognising her work as an ambassador for the wines of Burgundy. 

Susan Martindale is Group HR Director at Mitchells & Butlers.Susan comments her appointment to The Drinks Trust Board of Trustees: “I am delighted to join the Board of Trustees for the Drinks Trust and to work with such a worthy charity that makes a difference to so many people.”

Tony Watson is a founder‑focused commercial leader with over 25 years’ experience building, scaling, and transforming drinks brands across the UK and Europe. After seven years at Treasury Wine Estates — including four as General Manager for EMEA & Canada, where he led one of the region’s most significant premium and luxury wine portfolios — Tony left the business in July 2025 to focus on supporting high‑growth, founder‑led brands.

He now works fractionally with ambitious start‑ups such as Vinca Wine, helping founders sharpen strategy, accelerate growth, build commercial capability, and navigate the challenges of scaling from early traction to sustained market presence. Tony brings a rare blend of big‑company discipline and entrepreneurial agility, enabling founders to unlock new routes to market, strengthen customer partnerships, and build the organisational foundations required for long‑term success.

Earlier in his career, Tony was part of the board leadership team at Carlsberg UK, where he helped reshape the commercial strategy and drive the business toward its long‑term objectives. Known for his clarity, pace, and ability to energise teams, he has built a reputation as a trusted partner to founders who want to scale with confidence while protecting the culture and magic that made their brand special in the first place.

Laura is co-founder of Club Soda, the Mindful Drinking Movement. Their aim is to help people drink more mindfully and live well.

Club Soda works with the industry to support greater choice in venues and retail for consumers looking to change their drinking habits - including developing education courses, a guide to low and alcohol drinks and research. 

She has over 30 years experience of working in charities, campaigning and the public sector in various roles including as Chief Executive, trustee and a Cabinet member in Islington. She was awarded an MBE when she was 30 for services to the community.