Patricia Callan has been appointed to the role of Director of Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI), according to a statement it issued today (9 May).
Commenting on her new role, Callan said, “I am delighted to be appointed Director of ABFI at what is an exciting and challenging time for the sector which supports over 200,000 jobs around the country with an annual wage bill of €4 billion."
She also outlined that Irish whiskey is now the fastest growing global spirits category and over €1 billion will be invested in Irish whiskey distillery projects between 2010 and 2025. However, the industry faces considerable challenges in the form a hard Brexit and measures proposed in the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill, both of which threaten the sector’s ability to grow and thrive.
Oliver Loomes, Chair of ABFI and Country Director of Diageo Ireland said, "I wish Patricia every success in her role as the Director of ABFI and look forward to working with her. This is an important time for the drinks industry as we navigate the challenges of Brexit while helping the sector to realise its ambitious growth plans".
Callan joins ABFI from the Small Firms Association (SFA) where she has been Director since 2006.
As SFA Director Callan lead the development and implementation of the organisation’s five-year strategic plan including a rebrand of the SFA, a new constitution and governance structure.
She has developed a very strong media profile becoming a familiar face as the spokesperson for small business in Ireland. She has built an excellent reputation among policy decision makers and is regularly invited to participate at high level national and EU level fora.
© 2017 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern
