The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) is delighted to announce the appointment of Annie Brown as its Chief Communications Officer (CCO). This is a newly created role for the organisation as it continues to strengthen its role leading private sector efforts to promote moderation and tackle harmful drinking globally.
Annie has more than 20 years’ experience in corporate communications gained from both agency and in-house leadership roles. Annie joins IARD from global nutrition and wellness brand Herbalife where she has spent the last five years as the Head of Corporate Communications for Europe & Africa, responsible for external and internal communications and social impact across 44 markets. Prior to Herbalife, Annie worked on communications in other highly regulated industries including leading communications for a multinational fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) company.
Commenting on her appointment, Annie said:
“I am thrilled to be joining IARD as its Chief Communications Officer. IARD and its member companies in the beer, wine and spirits industry have already made huge headway in promoting responsible drinking to tackle harmful consumption but there are plenty of opportunities to do more. I believe this role – working closely with the alcohol sector and the private sector more widely – has the ability to make real impact in tackling the harmful use of alcohol and raising awareness of moderation and low/no alcohol alternatives for adults seeking greater choice.”
Julian Braithwaite, CEO of IARD commented:
“Annie joins IARD at an important moment for our organisation and for the wider discussion about alcohol, moderation and harmful drinking. Her experience leading communications across highly regulated global consumer businesses will be invaluable as we continue to support evidence-based action, strengthen IARD’s voice in this important area and work with partners across the private sector, civil society and the public sector around the world to promote moderation, consumer choice and reduce harmful drinking.”
ENDS
About IARD
The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to reducing harmful drinking and promoting understanding of responsible drinking. IARD is supported by leading global beer, wine, and spirits producers, who have come together for a common purpose: to be part of the solution in combating harmful drinking.
IARD works with public sector, civil society, and private sector stakeholders in support of the whole-of-society approach endorsed by multilateral strategies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. IARD actively supports multilateral strategies and goals to reduce harmful drinking, including the World Health Organization’s Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022–2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It has ECOSOC status in the United Nations.
IARD’s members are AB InBev, Asahi, Bacardi, Brown-Forman, Carlsberg, Diageo, Heineken, Kirin, Moët Hennessy, Molson Coors Beverage Company, Pernod Ricard, Suntory Global Spirits, and William Grant & Sons. Associate members: The Coca-Cola Company and LOTTE Chilsung Beverage. It’s Partnership Council includes the leading beer, wine and spirits trade associations and social aspect organisations around the world, and its Global Standards Coalition consists of over 100 companies throughout the value chain, from Walmart to TikTok, dedicated to the responsible marketing and sale of alcohol.
© 2026 International Alliance for Responsible Drinking
IARD’s members and the members of its Partnership Council are a diverse group of organizations with a variety of viewpoints. They might not necessarily agree on all or any subjects. Any statements, findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed on this website do not reflect the policies or views of all IARD members or the organizations they represent, unless explicitly stated. However, all members agree on and support IARD’s mission of reducing the harmful use of alcohol.
The resources on this website are not intended as health advice to individuals about their drinking. People with specific questions about their drinking are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional. Together, they can determine what is best for that individual, based on individual risk factors, including family history, genetics, and lifestyle. For some people, the better choice may be to not drink at all.
