After 17 years at the helm of craft beer giant Brewdog, co-founder and CEO James Watt has announced that he will be stepping down from his role. The news comes as a surprise to many in the industry, as Watt has been a driving force behind the company’s rapid growth and success since its founding in 2007.
In a statement released on social media, Watt explained that he felt it was the right time for him to move on and pursue new opportunities. He expressed gratitude for the support of Brewdog’s employees, customers, and investors over the years, and said that he was confident in the company’s ability to continue thriving under new leadership.
Watt’s decision to step down comes at a time of significant change for Brewdog, which has faced criticism in recent years over its workplace culture and treatment of employees. In 2020, several former employees came forward with allegations of a toxic work environment, prompting the company to launch an internal review and make changes to its policies and practices.
Despite these challenges, Brewdog has continued to expand its reach and influence in the craft beer industry, with a growing presence in markets around the world. The company is known for its innovative and bold approach to brewing, as well as its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Watt’s departure marks the end of an era for Brewdog, but it also opens up new possibilities for the company as it looks to the future. The search for a new CEO is already underway, and the company’s board of directors is confident that they will find a capable leader to build on the foundation that Watt has laid.
In the meantime, Watt plans to remain involved with Brewdog in an advisory capacity and will continue to support the company’s growth and development. His departure may mark the end of his tenure as CEO, but it is clear that his passion and dedication to Brewdog will endure for years to come.