It has been announced today by the Portman Group that Martin Neary has been appointed chairman of the independent complaints panel.
Previously chief executive of Barnardo’s and CEO of the National Offender Management Service, Neary will now lead the panel of eight independent members that consider complaints raised under the Portman Group Code of Practice for responsible alcohol marketing.
He said: “I am delighted to take on the chairmanship of this independent and highly respected panel. It is imperative that alcohol is not marketed irresponsibly or in a way that might appeal to children and it is the panel’s responsibility to ensure cases are heard fairly and objectively. I am very much looking forward to this role.”
Sir Richard Tilt will step down from the role at the end of December after a six year term of office.
Henry Ashworth, chief executive of the Portman Group, which provides the secretariat for the panel, said: “This Chairmanship is fundamental to the effective and respected operation of the self-regulatory system that governs alcohol marketing in the UK and Martin will bring the highest degree of expertise and judgement to the role. He takes over the role from Sir Richard Tilt who has been an excellent and highly valued Chairman for the past six years. I would like to thank him for his work in contributing to a responsible alcohol marketing environment and his strong leadership of the panel throughout his tenure.”