Meet the Team

Emma McClarkin OBE

Chief Executive

Emma McClarkin was appointed Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association in 2019.

A passionate beer and pub lover, Emma is the voice for the beer and pub sector leading them through the pandemic, interfacing with Government and stakeholders to secure vital grant support and economic stimulus to aid the recovery of the Sector. Protecting the future of the Great British Pub and our world-renowned brewers.

Prior to joining the BBPA, Emma served as a Member of the European Parliament for the East Midlands for 10 years. As a true beer lover, she also served as Vice President of the European Parliament Beer Club during this time. She has also held posts including Chairman of the Commonwealth Forum and Director of Global Policy for the Sports Integrity Global Alliance and is currently a Special Advisory Board Member at the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council and a Director of the Ivors Academy.

Outside of work, Emma is a big fan of music and sport, closely following the rugby, football and cricket – as well as watching them in her local pub!

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BBPA Team

Padraig Blee

Policy and Public Affairs Officer

Padraig joined the BBPA in July 2022, having previously worked for the British Chambers of Commerce in their Press and Public Affairs teams. In this role he supported the advocacy function of the British Chambers of Commerce and worked on behalf of businesses across the UK and beyond to ensure that their voices were heard at every level of Government.

Padraig studied Politics and International Relations followed by postgraduate study in Political Communications. During this time he gained experience working in Irish politics and spent time in the United States studying their legislative system.

In his spare time Padraig loves competing in pub quizzes and collecting beer mats from around the world.