Brains CEO hands over baton as brewer now set for further innovation and growth

• After leading the company for four years, Jon Bridge will step down as CEO in December
• Hospitality industry expert Nick Payne joins as Managing Director

Cardiff – Brains Brewery’s CEO Jon Bridge has announced he will be stepping down in December following four years in post, where he has successfully led the business from its perilous position during the Covid pandemic to the debt-free brewery and brands business it is today.

He will be handing over to newly appointed Managing Director (MD) Nick Payne, who will take the helm of the iconic Welsh brewer in January 2025.

As part of a long-term succession plan, Jon will leave his role after navigating Brains through some of its most challenging times, including the Covid 19 pandemic, which saw the hospitality industry close down entirely and leave the business with significant bank debts.  Jon successfully turned the business around, initiating his Project Phoenix, which saw Brains’ core pub estate leased to Marston’s as part of a strategic deal and the freeholds subsequently sold to private equity. As part of the business turnaround, Jon led a major restructure of the company.

Jon’s career spans more than 30 years in the retail and hospitality sectors and prior to his appointment as the Brains’ CEO in 2021, he held roles as its Operations Director and Director of People and Culture. Before joining Brains, Jon enjoyed an impressive leadership career, including 10 years with retailer House of Fraser.

On his time at Brains, Jon said: “It has been an incredible journey and privilege leading this iconic Welsh brand and working with such a talented team, both past and present.

“I am confident that I’m leaving the brewery in excellent financial health and with Nick taking the reins, it’s in a superb position to build for the future. I look forward to seeing Brains brewery and its beer brands expand and thrive.”

Richard Westwood, Chair of SA Brain & Company, said of Jon’s tenure: “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.”

Nick Payne joins the company with more than 20 years of experience in the brewing and beverage industry. Most recently, Nick served as the Managing Director at Cygnet Gin. Prior to his role at Cygnet, Nick has also held roles with Budweiser Budvar UK Limited, Brewdog and Marston’s.

Brains is more than beer in Wales. Having been brewing in Cardiff since 1882, the company is still owned by the descendants of Samuel Arthur Brain.

In his new role as MD, Nick will oversee all aspects of the Brains operations, including brand, sales, marketing and further securing and developing the future of the brewer.

Nick said of his appointment: “I am really excited to be joining Brains at such an important time in its journey. I have fond memories of stepping off the train as a child and smelling the hops, enjoying match day pints of SA with friends in Cardiff’s best pubs and more recently sharing a pint of The Rev James over Sunday lunch with family and friends nationwide.

“Brains is an iconic beer brand, and I cannot wait to join the amazing team in January 2025.”