Mon 10th Mar 2025 - BrewDog names new CEO as part of leadership changes BrewDog names new CEO as part of leadership changes: Scottish brewer and retailer BrewDog has promoted chief financial officer James Taylor to chief executive and chief marketing officer Lauren Carrol to chief operating officer, effective immediately. Taylor replaces James Arrow, who is stepping down for personal reasons having taken over from BrewDog co-founder James Watt in May last year. BrewDog said Taylor’s appointment marks a seamless transition as it continues to prioritise profitability, global bar expansion, and innovation in the beer market. BrewDog stated: “The board would like to thank James Arrow for his contribution to BrewDog, first as chief operating officer, before taking over as chief executive in 2024, in particular overseeing 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 board would like to congratulate James Taylor and Lauren as they step into their new roles. James Taylor brings a wealth of financial and strategic expertise to the role, having overseen BrewDog’s finance operations during a period of significant transformation, including the return of the business to profitability in 2024.” Prior to joining BrewDog, Taylor held senior leadership roles at Mayborn, the childcare company whose brands include Tommee Tippee, GHD and Anya Hindmarch. Carrol joined BrewDog in 2018 and was appointed chief marketing officer in 2022. Prior to BrewDog, she held a number of project management roles at Stork. BrewDog said she brings with her huge knowledge of BrewDog and the beer market, “and the operational track record to add immediate value in her new role”. BrewDog chairman Allan Leighton said: “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. I would also like to congratulate Lauren for her promotion, testament to her fantastic work and proven track record during her time at BrewDog. Finally, I would like to thank James Arrow for his contribution to BrewDog since he arrived in 2023 and wish him every success in the future.” BrewDog features in the Propel 500 report, an unparalleled resource that profiles the UK’s leading hospitality operators ranked by turnover – which is available free now to Premium Club subscribers. This comprehensive report provides more than 90,000 words of analysis, delving into company histories, leadership structures, site numbers and financial performance, making it an essential resource for industry professionals. A list of the operators included can be discovered now by visiting the Propel 500 page on Propel’s website. The guide is delivered in two parts: an introductory PDF, featuring deep dives into the top 25 companies and 6,500 words of insight from Propel’s expert writers, and a fully searchable Excel sheet, offering easy access to all the data. Key highlights include Mark Wingett’s exploration of mergers and acquisitions shaping the Top 500’s future, Tim Street’s view of the UK’s franchise market, and Phil Pemberton’s insights into experiential leisure as a hospitality cornerstone. Katherine Doggrell examines developments in UK hotels, while Mark Bentley, business development director at HDI, identifies emerging growth sectors, and Maria Vanifatova, founder of Meaningful Vision, analyses trends in quick service restaurants. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.