Henry Ashworth

This article is part of the Spinwatch public health oriented Alcohol Portal project.

The Portman Group announced that Henry Ashworth will replace David Poley as chief executive, Ashworth will take up the post on 24th October 2011. It is unclear if Poley has another job, he agreed to stay on as chief executive until a replacement was found after announcing his resignation in June 2011. Ashworth joined Portman Group from the Cabinet Office where he was part of the Behavioural Insights Team according to Marketing Week the team's role was to "nudge" individuals towards making health choices rather than through regulation. Before his stint with the Cabinet Office Ashworth worked on evaluating alcohol and obesity policy for two years as part of the Better Regulation Executive. The timing of Ashworth's move from government to the Portman Group could prove useful to the alcohol industry who are currently working with the Department of Health on the Public Health Responsibility Deal as part of the Responsibility Deal Alcohol Network where the Portman Group are leading on labelling commitments made by the industry. The pledges in this working group have been given by the alcohol industry since 1998 and have never been implemented despite governmental threats of formal regulation if commitments were not met. See Responsibility Deal Alcohol Network for more details.

Commenting on his new appointment Harpers reported Ashworth as saying "I look forward to working closely with other groups to build a consensus around actions that promote responsible attitudes to alcohol. I firmly believe that self-regulation based on a tough code of practice that is rigorously monitored and enforced is the right way forward."

This article is part of the Revolving Door project of Spinwatch.

Background

In 1999 Henry Ashworth opened The Extreme Academy, his aim was to develop a "ski resort on the beach" the business was set up in conjunction with Ashworth parent's Cornwell hotel, now run by Henry's brother Will. In 2002 the development grew to include a bistro, shop and became a pioneer for developing extreme water sports. . In 2006 Fifteen Cornwall opened within the development with the support of Jamie Oliver and the original Fifteen London. The restaurants employ trainee chefs who are considered to be disadvantaged and provides them with an opportunity to develop a career in hospitality. The profits of Fifteen Cornwall go to Cornwall Foundation of Promise a local charity where Henry Ashworth is a trustee and his brother a director. The project has received more than £1 million in grants from Objective One and the South West Regional Development Agency..