The benevolent charity The Drinks Trust has promoted Nicola Burston to chief executive.

She takes up the role after four years at the charity, which supports individuals who have worked in the drinks and hospitality sector, as operations manager and head of charity.

Former chief executive Ross Carter announced last month that he was stepping down after five years in post. 

“With a strong background in the sector, Nicola steps into the role with a commitment to enhancing the trust’s initiatives, which include providing financial assistance, wellbeing services and educational programmes to industry professionals,” the charity said.

“Her appointment comes at a crucial time as the industry faces ongoing challenges, and her leadership is expected to drive new strategies to expand the trust’s reach and impact, especially in addressing the needs of both current and former industry members facing hardship.”

The charity said Burston would continue her part time role as steering committee member at the not-for-profit organisation PubAid, which promotes positive activities in the hospitality sector.

Burston said it had been highly rewarding to be part of a “small but dynamic team” since joining the charity in 2020.

“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead the charity into the future,” she said.

“There are going to be some tough challenges ahead, but I really look forward to reaching out to partners in the coming weeks to discuss how we can come together to address these challenges and support our colleagues in need.”

Carter said it had been a “tough climate” for the charity sector when he resigned at the start of October.

“I’m honoured to have had the chance to lead The Drinks Trust team and so many supportive industry partners over the last five years,” he said.

“It has been a tough climate for the charity sector recently, but with the extraordinary generosity of our donors, we’ve managed to make great strides to ensure that more of those in our community have received the support they need.”

The charity was unable to confirm what Carter planned to do next.