Benner, who has been chief executive at CAMRA for ten years, was recruited by SIBA as part of a strategic review, which will see the management of the trade association and commercial arm combined.
He will lead a SIBA Executive to run the organisation, with the Board of Trustees continuing to oversee the ultimate direction of SIBA.
Julian Grocock, SIBA’s current chief executive, chose not to apply for the new managing director role and will step down when Benner starts on 16 June. SIBA’s commercial director Nick Stafford will continue to work for the organisation under Benner.
SIBA chairman Guy Sheppard said, “I’m delighted that Mike is joining us to lead our expanded organisation. His political astuteness, proven campaigning ability and passion for great British beer make him uniquely well-placed to take SIBA forward."
Mike said, “I’m very proud of CAMRA’s achievements and it’s been an honour to be part of such a great organisation. I leave in the knowledge that CAMRA is fit for purpose to continue its success. I am very excited to join SIBA at a time when there is such enormous opportunity for independent brewers and I look forward to working towards its vision to build the future of British beer.”
Caption to attached image (l-r): SIBA chairman Guy Sheppard and Mike Benner