Drinkaware appoints three new trustees

• The charity Drinkaware has appointed Rosie Donachie (Head of Public Affairs, British Business Bank), Emma Reynolds (Global Vice President, Mars Food & Nutrition), and Chris Jowsey (CEO, Admiral Tavern), to its Board of Trustees 
• The new appointments come as Paul Wells and Dr Colin Hunter OBE stepped back as trustees earlier this year 
• Responsible for overseeing the work of the charity, the Board ensures the charity’s independent governance and upholds Drinkaware’s commitment to being evidence-led 

Following Paul Wells and Dr Colin Hunter OBE leaving their roles as trustees, the new appointments were made through an open recruitment process.

• Rosie Donachie, Head of Public Affairs at British Business Bank, joins Drinkaware bringing a specialist knowledge and two decades of experience of the U.K. policy and political landscape.  
• Emma Reynolds comes on board with deep expertise in corporate affairs. She is currently Global Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Mars Food & Nutrition.   
• Chris Jowsey, CEO at Admiral Taverns, joins with a proven track record in the drinks sector having had over 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry.

With three new trustees, the Drinkaware Board now includes eight professionals, with an equal gender balance, and represents a broad range of professional backgrounds. The Board is chaired by Lucy Armstrong, who has held the position since 2021. 

The Drinkaware Board:

• Lucy Armstrong (Chair) – Chief Executive Officer, The Alchemists  
• Remalie Comport – Global Business Lead, Google 
• David Hutchinson – Director, Amlay Advisory Ltd 
• Simon Stephens – Partner, Deloitte 
• Bruce Ray – Public Affairs Advisor, Hospitality Industry. 
• Emma Reynolds – Global Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Mars Food & Nutrition. 
• Chris Jowsey – Chief Executive Officer, Admiral Taverns 
• Rosie Donachie – Senior Director of Business Affairs, British Business Bank 

For more information, please visit the Drinkaware website here. 

Lucy Armstrong, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: 

“It gives me great pleasure to be welcoming three new trustees to the Drinkaware Board. Each of them brings a wealth of experience and expertise, further strengthening Drinkaware’s commitment to being evidence-led in everything we do. 

“The entire Board joins me in thanking Paul and Colin for their enormous contribution. They have both achieved a great deal during their time at Drinkaware and have helped shape a far more influential and innovative organisation with its continued commitment to reducing alcohol related harm at its heart. We wish them all the best for the future.” 

Karen Tyrell, CEO of the charity Drinkaware, commented: 

"It’s an exciting time for Rosie, Chris, and Emma to be joining the organisation, especially following the recent launch of our boldest campaign yet with Andy’s Man Club and Chris Kamara. I look forward to drawing on their expertise to shape fresh and innovative ways to advance our mission of reducing alcohol-related harms across the UK." 

Rosie Donachie, said: 

“Drinkaware is going from strength to strength and with the impactful campaigns, like those we’ve seen this year with Jameson and Andy’s Man Club with Chris Kamara, I’m excited to contribute to this continued momentum." 

Emma Reynolds, said:  

“I am delighted to be joining Drinkaware at such a pivotal moment.  I’m looking forward to working with the team and using my corporate experience to help drive the organisation forward.” 

Chris Jowsey, said:  

“Drinkaware has a vital role to play in tackling alcohol-related harm across the UK, and it's important that it continues to be supported. That’s why I’m delighted to draw on my experience in the sector to help advance its mission.” 

Joining at an exciting time for Drinkaware, the appointments follow the launch of a new campaign in partnership with men’s mental health charity and fronted by football legend Chris Kamara that aims to say men ‘its okay to talk about drinking’. Watch here. 

The campaign is the organisations second of the year, with the charity joining forces with alcohol giants Jamesons and former England footballer Jay Bothroyd in January to encourage football fans to check their drinking by completing the Drinkaware Drinking Check. Watch here. 

The Drinkaware Board sits separately to the organisations Independent Advisory Panel, made up of medical professionals and expert advisors to ensure Drinkaware provides the most up-to-date, accurate and evidence-based information on alcohol and alcohol related harm. Read more here.