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

William Lees-Jones

Vice Chair

William is Managing Director of JW Lees Brewery. William was educated at Rugby School and London University where he gained a BA (Hons) in Classics before joining advertising agency Crosland Gallop in 1987 as an Account Executive. He moved to Maslin Rees Fitton as an Account Director in 1990 and became Client Services Director in 1993.

William then joined family business JW Lees in 1994 where he was appointed Sales & Marketing Director in 1996. He became Joint Managing Director in 2000 and Group Managing Director in 2003.