New chairman announced for The Benevolent

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 16 January, 2017

The Benevolent, the charity for the UK drinks industry, has a new chairman.

Tom Yusef has been appointed the role, taking over from Dan Townsend following the completion of his two-year tenure.

With over 40 years of service in the freight forwarding sector, first with Ferry Freighting Group then as chairman and joint MD of JF Hillebrand, Yusef brings a wealth of knowledge of the UK drinks industry and a deep understanding of the needs of vulnerable colleagues of the trade.

Tom Yusef's two-year appointment as chairman was announced at The Vintners' Company Annual Wine Trade Lunch which was attended by over 155 senior members of the drinks trade at Vintners' Hall on Friday (January 13).

The lunch was hosted by The Vintners' Company which has long supported the charity and the drinks community.

Yusef, who has pledged to use his expertise and contacts to further raise the profile of The Benevolent within the trade, said: "I am honoured, privileged and delighted to be appointed Chairman of The Benevolent, our own trade charity. I am looking forward to working with a professional and committed team lead by a very dedicated chief executive David Cox. I shall of course do my utmost in the interest of those whose benefit we strive to serve."

Also at the event, the Vintners' Benevolent Award was presented to Verity Milns, corporate communications manager at Liberty Wines for her work helping to raise awareness of The Benevolent and its work.

The award was established by the Trade Liaison Committee of The Vintners' Company in 2013.

Jo Cain from William Grant & Sons was also presented with a special award for her long-term support.

David Cox, The Benevolent's chief executive, said: "The charity is indebted to the Vintners' who donate the entire revenue from the lunch which helps enormously with our fundraising. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Dan Townsend for his terrific leadership and support and I look forward to working with Tom who I know will be an exemplary chairman".

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