Alex Minett has been named as managing director of the brewing company after joining from energy drinks producer Red Bull.
Minett was on-trade sales director, having been with the company for approaching 20 years. He was responsible for delivering the strategic direction of their UK on-trade business.
At Ossett he will be tasked with accelerating growth following a £1.7m investment in brewing capacity, warehouse facilities and equipment, building works and new packaging resources.
Many new challenges
“The brewing and pub industry is experiencing a very vibrant period, with many new challenges and opportunities,” he said. “Ossett has a reputation for having amazing people and for producing excellent beers and I look forward to harnessing both to help deliver a successful future for the brewery and the brands.”
Ossett’s staple of brands include Yorkshire Blonde, Silver King and Excelsior, which have been part of its core range since inception in 1998. They are currently sold across its own estate of 27 pubs, alongside hundreds of free trade accounts and through selected wholesalers. Ossett has a group turnover of £17m and a workforce of over 400 local employees.
Work is also underway for the exciting new rebrand to be launched in November for the brewery, featuring brand new pump clip designs for the core range and seasonal beers, a company logo and various POS.
Ossett owner Jamie Lawson said: “As we complete our very substantial investments in the brewery we are delighted to welcome Alex to the team. These are very exciting and challenging times in the fiercely competitive brewing and pub industry.
“We are now set to build on our roots as a high quality cask ale brewer and further grow business for our brands across cask, keg and packaged categories. Alex brings his wealth of experience at Red Bull to play a lead role in that growth.”
Meanwhiel, last month, UK-based specialist own-label manufacturer Masteroast Coffee announced the appointment of a new commercial director, as part of its own expansion plans.