Subscriber login Close [x]
remember me
You are not logged in.

New boss for drinks watchdog joins from government's 'nudge' team

Published:  19 September, 2011

The Portman Group's new chief executive Henry Ashworth is moving across from Cabinet Office's nudge team - where he led health policy.

The Portman Group's new chief executive Henry Ashworth is moving across from Cabinet Office's nudge team - where he led health policy.

Ashworth joins the watchdog at a time when its members are redoubling their efforts to promote the responsible consumption of alcohol. The Portman Group is also involved in the Department of Health's Responsibility Deal, especially focusing on the pledge to provide health information on 80% of alcohol products on UK shelves by 2013. The group will also conduct a comprehensive review of the Code which governs responsible alcohol marketing in the UK, launching a consultation in the autumn.



Ashworth, who takes up the role on October 24, was in charge of health policy at the Cabinet Office Behavioural Insights Team, looking specifically at applying insights from behavioural science to support better personal decision-making in key areas of public health.

He replaces David Poley who is leaving the alcohol industry after a career spanning nearly 15 years which has seen the creation of Drinkaware, the establishment of the Code and the introduction of the industry's first digital marketing guidelines to regulate social media.

Seymour Fortescue, chairman of the Portman Group said: "We are delighted to have Henry on board as we enter the next era of responsibility activity for the alcohol industry. The industry is committed to playing its part in tackling alcohol misuse and delivering our part of the Responsibility Deal. Under David Poley's leadership, the Portman Group has led the way on alcohol responsibility and this is a strong foundation upon which to build. Henry's skills and understanding of health policy and behavioural change will be an important addition to the Portman Group."

Ashworth said: "I look forward to working closely with other groups to build a consensus around actions that promote responsible attitudes to alcohol.  I firmly believe that self-regulation based on a tough code of practice that is rigorously monitored and enforced is the right way forward."

Keywords: