Departing Wells and Young's MD to revive Kestrel lager brand

24-Sep-2012 - Last updated on 12-Mar-2017 at 00:54 GMT

McNally to create a "broad portfolio" under the Kestrel brand

The managing director of Wells and Young’s Brewing Company, Nigel McNally is to leave his role next week in a bid to revive the Kestrel lager brand, which he is in negotiations to buy from the brewer.

The deal is set to be completed next Monday, but it is believed that McNally is looking to operate the brewing, distribution and sales of the beer through his own drinks company, Brookfield Drinks.

He told the Publican's Morning Advertiser that he believed the brand has potential due to “a large degree of latent awareness as a result of advertising in the 80s and 90s,” and that there was an “opportunity to create a broad portfolio under the brand.”

Charles Wells chairman Paul Wells said Kestrel wasn't central to the brewer's core portfolio.

“Nigel's exciting new venture means we’re able to focus our energies and resources on developing our range of distinctive beers. This is helped by Nigel’s legacy as he instilled the culture of marketing into the business and steadily developed our ability to grow brands.

"On behalf of everyone involved with Charles Wells I’d like to thank him for his dedication and commitment and wish him every success in the future.”

Wells is said to be considering his options on a replacement for McNally.