John McNamara to leave BII

BII chief executive John McNamara is leaving the organisation.

After six and a half years in the role, McNamara has been head-hunted to take up the post of chief executive of the recently formed Alliance of Sector Skills Councils, the collective voice for all 25 Sector Skills Councils in the UK.

McNamara will now work out his six month notice period and will be helping BII in the search for his successor.

McNamara said: "Six years is a considerable time in any chief executive position and the time has come for me to move on. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at BII; the team here is dynamic, and passionate about helping members and standing up for our sector.

"I have no doubt that the organisation will continue to play a huge role in supporting the industry through these tough times and beyond.

"I will still be involved in the UK skills arena and will follow with interest the activities of BIIAB. I know there are great things to come for the market leader in licensed retail qualifications."

BII chairman Martin Grant said: "I wish John every success in his demanding new role. He has played a key part in boosting our profile, our range of activities and support for members during his period of tenure.

"He leaves behind a strong foundation for the future development of BII in its key mission of helping and supporting our members."

In the last six years, BII has evolved considerably. It now offers a range of information, guidance and skills to all its members, and has processed over 1.5m individual vocational qualifications in subjects relating to the licensed retail sector.

It is a strong supporter of social responsibility initiatives such as Best Bar None, the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) and Challenge 21.