Portman Group: Independent Complaints Panel hires two new members

Today (1), the Independent Complaints Panel, which adjudicates complaints brought forward on the naming, packaging, promotion and sponsorship of alcoholic drinks under the Portman Group Codes of Practice, added two new members – Hina Parmar and Phil Pick – further strengthening and enhancing the Panel’s expertise and diversity.

Hina Parmar is a highly experienced legal counsel for consumer brands with extensive experience across the fields of law on intellectual property, marketing, food law and compliance. She currently serves as legal counsel to Mondelez International, a worldwide confectionery, food, beverage, and snack food company, responsible for messaging around packaging, content and placement. She has provided legal advice and support for Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I, Selfridges Retail, and the Institute of Promotional Marketing.

Phil Pick has a wealth of UK and international consumer marketing experience, having worked for a range of alcohol and food businesses including Molson Coors, AB InBev, Scottish & Newcastle United Biscuits and Weetabix. His work with Stella Artois saw him become an award winner of the Media360: Advertiser of the Decade in 2013. Now taking a career break, Phil is currently a stay-at-home dad.

This follows the departure of Graeme McKenzie and Claire Fowler who had served on the Panel since 2017.

“The appointment of two new Panel members is greatly welcomed, and will further enhance the Panel’s breadth and diversity of experience," said Panel Chair Nicola Williams. "I was delighted by the calibre of candidates across the recruitment making the choice incredibly difficult. Candidates showed a considerable depth of understanding of the Code demonstrating its welcome reach and use by the industry. I very much look forward to working with Hina and Phil. I would also like to thank Graeme and Claire for their dedicated service to the Panel.”