Nick Payne (left) and Jon Bridge (right). Credit: SA Brain and Company/LinkedIn

Welsh brewery SA Brain & Company has picked Nick Payne as its new managing director.

Ex-Diageo and BrewDog executive Payne will take up the role in January. He will succeed chief executive Jon Bridge, who is set to step down from the Cardiff-based brewer in December.

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Bridge has worked at Brains Brewery for 11 years. He joined as group head of people in 2014, transitioning into the chief executive position in 2021.

In a statement, the brewer said Bridge had helped to shift the business from “its perilous position during the Covid pandemic to the debt-free brewery and brands business it is today”.

Explaining the reasoning behind his exit, in a personal LinkedIn post, Bridge said: “I have decided that now, having restructured and right-sized the business, it is the right time to move on to new ventures”.

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Taking the reins, Payne has over 20 years’ experience in the drinks industry, having held positions at businesses including Diageo, Marston’s, BrewDog, and most recently Cygnet Gin.

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In the company statement, Bridge said: “It has been a privilege leading this iconic Welsh brand. With the brewery in excellent financial health, I’m confident Nick will build on this legacy and drive the future success of Brains.”

Commenting on his appointment, Payne added: “I’m thrilled to join Brains. This brand has a special place in my heart – from childhood memories of Cardiff matchdays to sharing pints of The Rev James with friends. I look forward to working with the team to continue Brains’ success.”

Established in 1882, Brains Brewery produces its beers at the Dragons Brewery facility in Cardiff.

The company produces beers, including cask ales such as Brains Bitter, Barry Island IPA, The Rev James ale, Bayside Welsh lager and a 0.5% No Brainer IPA.

According to the most recent, publicly available filings at Companies House, Brains Brewery booked a 36% decline in turnover to £9.4m ($12.2m) in the year to 26 March 2023. Its gross profits for the period dropped roughly 50% to £5m.