James Calder is stepping down from his role as CEO of the Society of Independent Brewers.
After three years at the post, and five years with the trade association in total, Calder will step down on 1 August to “take on a new challenge”.
The process to appoint Calder’s successor is currently underway. SIBA’s senior management team will manage the organisation on a day-to-day basis with support from its executive committee until an appointment is made.
Under Calder’s tenure, SIBA had “supported every independent brewery in the UK through Covid, providing them with the latest information, support and guidance”, it said.
It highlighted Calder’s work on securing the Scottish Brewers Support Fund, and lobbying for financial support for breweries across the rest of the UK.
Calder had also overseen negotiations with government over the future of Small Brewers Relief, securing changes that would “protect more breweries whilst ensuring the system allows the potential for growth and positive reform”, said SIBA.
Under Calder’s leadership, it had provided additional benefits to members, revamped its beer competitions, and seen a “hugely successful” return to Liverpool for Beer X 2022.
Calder said it had been “an immense privilege to lead SIBA through the most difficult period in its history”.
He said he was “especially proud and grateful to the team” he had led and was “sad to be leaving SIBA”, but “also proud of what we have achieved”.
“I wish SIBA, its members, and all independent breweries across the UK well”, Calder added.
SIBA chair Roy Alkin said “Through unprecedentedly challenging times for the brewing and hospitality industries over the last few years, James was always keen to ensure that SIBA’s members were fully represented and that the sector wasn’t left adrift.
“James will be an asset wherever his career takes him,” he added.
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