New boss for WSTA comes from DEFRA

Published: 20 March, 2012

Miles Beale, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association's new chief executive, is moving from DEFRA where he is deputy director for EU and international agriculture policy.

Beale was previously deputy director for European and global issues at the Cabinet Office and spent much of his career at the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Beale has worked across a broad range of public policy, and been involved in negotiations at national and European level, working closely with senior ministers in successive governments.

Miles will join the WSTA in June. Gavin Partington will continue as interim Chief Executive until then.

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 said: "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."

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