The Portman Group’s has announced that former senior civil servant Philip Rycroft has been appointed as the company’s new Chair.

Mr Rycroft replaces former Chair Sir Martin Narey who stepped down in November 2019.

Most recently, the former civil servant was previously the Permeant Secretary to the Department for Exiting the EU, having previously undertaken senior positions in both the public and private sectors.

He was the director-general to the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office serving Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP from 2012 up to the May 2015 election.

His private sector experience includes time as the Director for Corporate Affairs at Hong Kong-based Hutchison Whampoa, a former Fortune 500 investment holding company.

Speaking about his new role, Mr Rycroft said: “It is with great pleasure that I join the Portman Group, the first industry regulator committed to supporting moderation and responsible drinking.

“Like so many industries, drinks producers and retailers are facing into an incredibly tough external environment and I’m keen to play my part, steering the Portman Group to showcase their best practice and commitment to social responsibility.”

The latest job announcement by the Portman Group comes after five additional members joined in 2020– Asahi, Aston Manor, Campari, SHS Drinks and Thatchers.

Mr Rycroft said he is eager to look to the group’s future and believes bringing more producers and retailers, large and small, into the fold is crucial.

Currently, the Portman Group has more than 130 organisations including producers, pub companies, retailers and member bodies signed up as Code Signatories, committed to upholding the Code of Practice.

“For the good of the self-regulatory model I hope to maintain and then accelerate the exceptional membership growth of 2020,” said Mr Rycroft. “We have a huge cross section of support for the Portman Group model shown in the range of bodies who are signatories to the Code.

“If more joined us as members, the future of the industry could be built using their perspectives. They would also benefit from the chance to work with their peers, accessing unrivalled policy and communications analysis as well as fast-tracked regulatory advice and training services.”

John Timothy, chief executive of the Portman Group said: “Securing someone of Philip’s stature as our new Chair is a real coup for the Portman Group. We are privileged to have his insight, knowledge and expertise.

“He understands the mechanics of the Scottish and UK Governments as well as the motivations of socially conscious businesses.

“We are eager for him to begin shaping the next stage of the Portman Group’s journey as we work with Government to secure the right result on the obesity strategy, navigate the impact of Covid-19 on the industry, and enhance opportunities for across society for greater take-up of exciting new low and no products.”