Wiltshire brewery Wadworth & Co has appointed Chris Welham, MD of Spirit Pub Company’s Spirit Leased division, as CEO.
Welham will take up the role in November, succeeding Charles Bartholomew, who stands down as MD but will continue as non-executive chairman.
Welham has worked in the drinks industry since 1996, when he was appointed associate business development manager at Greenall’s, the predecessor to hotel company De Vere Group. He has held operation and commercial roles with pub and brewing companies, and last year became a non-executive director of the British Institute of Innkeeping.
“I am delighted Chris has agreed to join us as CEO,” said Bartholomew, a descendent of company founder Henry Wadworth. “He is the ideal person to lead Wadworth at a time when we are seeking to grow our managed and tenanted business. He will also be working to further enhance the sales and distribution of our award-winning portfolio of beers. Under his leadership I am confident we will continue to honour the heritage of our business while at the same time moving forward to meet the demands of modern consumers.”
Welham said he was looking forward to joining Wadworth at an exciting time for the industry.
“Recent reports reveal a significant swing to real ale among younger drinkers,” he added. “I am delighted to be joining a company with such a distinguished history and such strong potential for growth for both its beer brands and pub business.”
Wadworth operates 240 pubs in the south and south west of England. It produces beers including flagship bitter 6X, which is listed in Asda, Waitrose and Ocado.
No comments yet