BrewDog CFO James Taylor has been promoted to CEO as James Arrow steps down after under a year in the role.
In a statement today (10 March), the Black Heart brewer said Arrow’s departure was due to “personal reasons”.
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Taylor, who has been working for BrewDog since November 2023 as its financial chief, steps into the CEO position with immediate effect.
He “brings a wealth of financial and strategic expertise” to the position the group said, having managed its financial operations at a point “of significant transformation, including the return of the business to profitability in 2024”.
Prior to holding the CFO role at BrewDog, Taylor also held senior leadership positions at childcare company Mayborn Group.
The appointment, BrewDog said represents “a seamless transition” as it focuses on “profitability, global bar expansion and innovation in the beer market”.
A replacement for Taylor in the CFO role is yet to be confirmed.
Allan Leighton, chairman of the brewer, added: “James Taylor has been an instrumental leader at BrewDog, steering the financial strategy and laying a strong foundation for profitable growth.
“His deep understanding of our business, coupled with his proven track record in operational excellence, makes him the ideal choice to guide BrewDog into its next chapter.”
Arrow was promoted from COO to CEO in May last year, succeeding James Watt who co-founded BrewDog in 2007.
Watt remains a board member, director and “part-time strategic advisor” of the company.
Arrow had joined the company from Boots Opticians where he was managing director.
In its statement today, the business thanked Arrow for his management of “the restructuring of the US business, strengthening the company’s operational framework and driving its on-trade presence, including a landmark partnership with the MCC at Lord’s”.
The Wingman IPA brewer announced a four-year partnership with the UK’s Marylebone Cricket Club in London in November last year.
Speaking to Just Drinks at the time, Arrow touted partnerships with recreational venues as a key route to boosting its on-trade success.
Alongside the news of a CEO change, chief marketing officer Lauren Carol has been promoted to the role of COO, starting immediately. She joined the company in 2018, was appointed CMO in 2022 and has been involved with its launches of Wingman, Black Heart and Shore Leave beers.
