Brewdog boss James Watt steps down after 17 years
Mr Watt has announced he is taking a step back but will remain within the company.
Last updated 8th May 2024
BrewDog boss James Watt is stepping down from the top job after 17 years.
The Aberdeenshire-based company has grown into a global success during that time, but in a LinkedIn post today Mr Watt announced he will be taking a step back.
Passing the reins over to chief operating officer James Arrow, Watt will remain within the organisation as a non-executive director on the board.
He will take on a new role of "captain and co-founder" and retain a 21% shareholding in the firm.
Watt co-founded the Scottish beer giant alongside Martin Dickie in Fraserburgh in 2007.
In the post, he said: "After 17 fantastic years as chief executive, I have decided to transition into a new role in the business, one of 'captain and co-Founder' - and James Arrow will pick up the reins as chief executive as our business pushes forward into our next phase of growth.
"In my new role I will remain as a board member, a director and I will also be part time strategic adviser to the business and our to leadership team."
BrewDog chairman Allan Leighton said: "James Watt, alongside Martin Dickie, created this great business from a garage in Fraserburgh.
"Few have accomplished what he has.
"From very humble beginnings under his leadership, BrewDog has grown to become the world's leading craft brewer, employing 2,530 people across its head office, four breweries and over 120 bars.
"I am especially pleased he will continue to offer his insight, creative genius and energy to the board."
Controversy in recent years
It comes after Mr Watt has been faced with controversy in recent years, after former BrewDog workers accused the firm of having a "culture of fear" within the business.
Watt apologised to staff and since insisted the group has made changes after the open letter was published.
In January, the firm faced further backlash after it announced it would be scrapping the real living wage and instead pay employees the lower legal minimum wage.
Mr Watt continued in his announcement: "During my time at the helm of BrewDog, there have been highs and lows, up and downs, crazy successes and incredibly hard challenges.
"When I look back on the last 17 years (119 Dog Years) my overwhelming feeling is one of gratitude."
He said he is "grateful for the tough times too, for the learnings they provided, the resolve they instilled and the perspective they offered.
Watt explained he plans to take time off to "travel, to spend more time with my family and friends.
"I am also looking forward to being able to dedicate some more time to my other business interests."
Mr Arrow, who was hired as chief operating officer last September as part of succession planning for the top role, was previously managing director of Boots Opticians.