Ex-Barclaycard chief to chair drinks watchdog

Former Barclaycard chief executive Seymour Fortescue has been named as the first external chairman of drinks industry watchdog Portman Group.

Fortescue will provide independent leadership on marketing and social responsibility. All previous chairs have been appointed from among the senior drinks executives who make up the Portman Group's Council.

Fortescue's previous roles include chief executive of the Banking Code Standards Board, chief Executive of the Health Education Authority, chief executive of Barclaycard and head of marketing for Barclays Bank.

"The Portman Group is already a highly respected alcohol regulator and is a key player in addressing the adverse aspects of our drinking culture.  I look forward to working closely with other groups to build a consensus around actions that promote responsible attitudes to alcohol," he said. 

"I firmly believe that self-regulation based on a tough code of practice that is rigorously monitored and enforced is the right way forward." 

The final industry chairman of the Portman Group, Mark Hunter, chief executive of Molson Coors Brewing Company, said: "Seymour combines excellent leadership skills with a great blend of self-regulatory, commercial, Whitehall and media experience. His knowledge and experience will be a tremendous asset to the Portman Group as alcohol producers continue to strengthen industry standards."