The UK’s Keystone Brewing Group has appointed Steve Cox as its new CEO.
Cox most recently headed up In Good Company, the drinks group from which Keystone bought the beer brands Magic Rock and Fourpure in January.
Current CEO Mark Williams, will step back into the position of shareholder and board member of the parent company Breal Group, a move that was planned, according to a statement announcing Cox’s appointment.
Breal formed Keystone Brewing Group last year to house a series of acquisitions in the UK beer industry. Keystone Brewing Group’s portfolio also includes Brick Brewery, Brew By Numbers and Purity Brewing Co.
The private-equity-backed Keystone has a target of achieving £100m ($126.7m) in revenue in 2028.
Cox said: “Despite being less than two years old, the group has already made its mark on the industry with its commitment to excellence, creativity and rapid national growth. It has some fantastic brands in its portfolio and I’m looking forward to this new chapter in the group’s expansion and innovation.”
Last month, Keystone snapped up the North Brewing Co. brand, with the deal covering sales, distribution, intellectual property, recipe and production rights.
At the start of 2025, Keystone snapped up Magic Rock and Fourpure from In Good Company, acquiring an “exclusive licence” to produce both brands.
Fourpure Brewing was placed into voluntary administration in October, while administrators were appointed for Magic Rock earlier in January.
As of December, Keystone has also managed UK and EU production for the UK non-alcoholic brewer Big Drop via Black Sheep Brewery. Production had been managed by In Good Company.
