Chris Sorek resigns as Drinkaware chief executive

Sorek, who joined Drinkaware in November 2008, has decided to return to the United States for family reasons.

”I will miss being part of Drinkaware and am incredibly proud of what the charity has become,” said Sorek.
 
He added: “Drinkaware’s success is due to the commitment of its Board, staff and stakeholders.  The Board is a best practice model for addressing difficult issues by bringing together very divergent views, building a consensus and guiding the organisation’s strategic development.

“Our ability to successfully deliver behaviour change campaigns, communications, grants and resources is due to a highly professional and motivated staff. Stakeholders from all sectors—health, government and industry—make it possible for Drinkaware to draw on their expertise, resources, and channels to reach more consumers, more often in coordinated, creative and compelling ways.
 
“I look forward to Drinkaware building on its current success and playing an increasing role in changing the UK drinking culture by providing consumers with the best evidenced facts about alcohol.”

Drinkaware chairman Derek Lewis said: “Chris has been instrumental in establishing the organisation as the pre-eminent provider of evidence-based alcohol information and education in the UK.

“Clear evidence is now emerging that effective alcohol education can play a vital role alongside other initiatives in creating a better understanding of alcohol harms, in changing the UK alcohol culture, and in reducing the incidence of health and social harms attributable to alcohol.
 
“The trustees are extremely grateful to Chris for his achievements and wish him well in the future.  His successor, for whom the search is now underway, will inherit a solid foundation which should enable Drinkaware to have a steadily growing impact in the coming years.”
Recruitment for a new Chief Executive will begin with immediate effect.

Brigid Simmonds, British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) chief executive, said: "I would like to pay tribute to the tremendous contribution Chris Sorek has made to Drinkaware in the last four years. 

"He has attracted funding from all the major members of the BBPA, raised the national profile of the charity and worked in partnership with Government, trade associations and the health community to provide more information for consumers on how to drink responsibly.  I wish him well and thank him for all his support."