Brains CEO to step down after 11 years with brewer

Jon Bridge has been with the Welsh brewer for the past 11 years and spent the past four as CEO, guiding the business from a “perilous position”​ during Covid to becoming debt-free.

Nick Payne will replace Bridge from January 2025 having been appointed to the role of managing director at the Cardiff-based manufacturer.

With more than 20 years of industry experience, Payne has served in leadership roles at Cygnet Gin, Budweiser Budvar UK, Brewdog and Marston’s.

"I’m thrilled to join Brains,”​ he said.

“This brand has a special place in my heart—from childhood memories of Cardiff matchdays to sharing pints of The Rev James with friends. I look forward to working with the team to continue Brains’ success."​

Meanwhile, Brains chair Richard Westwood paid tribute to the outgoing Bridge: "Jon has been integral to the resurgence of Brains Brewery. His commercial acumen and strong strategic leadership have been paramount to the brewery’s continued success.​

"As an authentic, people-centric business leader, Jon is recognised for his integrity, transparency, and pragmatic approach. His unwavering ethical foundation has consistently impressed me. We extend our sincere gratitude for his dedication and invaluable contributions during his time with Brains."​

A ‘transformed’ business

Bridge summarised his “amazing 11-year journey”​ with the brewer in a post on LinkedIn.

“I have decided that now, having restructured and right sized the business, it is the right time to move on to new ventures,”​ he wrote.

“As you might be aware, with the support of my fabulous team, both past and present, the business has transformed from its perilous position during the Covid pandemic to the debt-free brewery and brands business it is today. ​

It has been an absolute privilege to lead this iconic brand and team. There are too many people to thank but special mentions must go to Chris Crandon, Bill Dobson, Chris Ferriday, Nicole Graff and Sara Leigh Webber who have been a tremendous support over the past four years.”​

With a nod to the future, Bridge said that he was looking forward to supporting with the handover process before embarking on the “next exciting chapter”​ in his career.

He concluded: “Thank you again to all those who have supported me and the business over my time at Brains. It’s been a blast! Cheers!”​

In other news, Food Manufacture has published its latest food and drink trends report​​, summarising all the hottest topics from 2024 with insight from a slew of industry figures.