Roger White elected BSDA president

The British Soft Drinks Association has elected a new president, Roger White, Chief Executive of A G Barr, at its AGM on 8 June 2010. He will lead the soft drinks industry trade body for the next two years.

Roger White has declared that the three main priorities for his presidency of BSDA are:

• to assist the industry to navigate its way out of difficult economic times
• to maintain the industry’s contribution to the development of healthier lifestyles
• to work towards the UK’s ambitious climate change targets.

Speaking at the 2010 BSDA Industry Lunch on 8 June 2010, Roger White said:

• on the economy: “I do not envy the new Government their task – however, I would strongly oppose any further short term tax rises which would penalise consumers and jeopardise our fragile economic recovery.”
• on healthy lifestyles: “the message is clear: voluntary, industry-led action blended with increased education is far more effective than legislation and coercion from Government.”
• on sustainability: “this is not an industry which sits back but one which has an on-going commitment to sustainability.”

Elected alongside Roger White as vice-president is Marnie Millard, Managing Director of Refresco Ltd.

A record number of guests attended the 2010 BSDA Industry Lunch, at which the guest speaker was Lord Sebastian Coe.

Jill Ardagh, BSDA Director-General, said: “Roger and Marnie have shown great leadership with A G Barr and Refresco, and we are delighted that they will bring the same skills and experience to BSDA.”