A communications consultant and former political journalist, Partington joins BSDA from the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, where he was communications director and interim chief executive.
Partington will take up his new role in the autumn.
Soft drinks industry
Partington said:“I am delighted to be joining the BSDA team and I look forward to supporting its members and the soft drinks industry. The association has an enviable reputation and I hope to build on its success in ensuring the industry’s voice is heard.”
Previous roles include: director of communications at the Lawn Tennis Association and telecoms company Energis and political editor GMTV.