Porter steps down from role at The Benevolent

Chris Porter is to step down from the role of Chief Executive of The Benevolent, the Drinks Industry Charity.

With over 35 years’ experience in the logistics and freight forwarding sector, Chris Porter was the first CEO in the charity’s 133-year history coming from the logistics service background. Before his appointment in January 2018, Porter wasn’t new to the charity, having been actively involved with it for over 20 years, a trustee on its board since 2010 and its Chairman in 2013 & 2014. 

Amongst many achievements, last year saw Porter launching the first mental health campaign of the industry, #NotAlone, awarded as Best Trade Campaign last May, and under Porter’s tenure the charity played a relevant role in the industry aimed at removing the stigma around mental health. Thanks to this effort, the number of members of the trade helped through the charity’s helpline have exponentially increased over the past 17 months. 

Chris Porter commented: “I am very proud and pleased of where the charity is currently with the increased awareness and I am truly heartened by the goodwill that exists for The Benevolent and our work.”

With Porter as CEO, the charity’s support reached an even greater number of beneficiaries, helping over 100 more people than in 2017 and managing the impressive number of a thousand cases of support over the past year. Porter said: “I have been incredibly humbled in having played a part helping people overcome financial, practical and emotional hardship.” 

During Porter’s tenure, the awareness and support given to the charity by the trade reached unprecedented targets, amongst which record-breaking attended events over the course of 2018 and the impressive Benevolent Ball held for its first time at the Natural History Museum, living up to its reputation of biggest event of the UK drinks industry.

Michael Saunders, Chairman of The Benevolent said: “We owe Chris a huge debt of thanks for his work for our trade Charity over the last 20 years as a Trustee, Chairman and CEO. His commitment to the cause and the passion that he has shown is recognised and valued by us all. I am delighted that he will remain a committed supporter as we move forward with our plans for the Charity”. 

Chris Porter on his departure commented: “It is an organisation that is at the heart of an industry I love and an industry that has a heart to look after its own. It is one that I will continue to support for many years to come and I have been honoured and privileged to have been its CEO.”

13 May 2019 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, editor