Brown has written extensively about the industry for print publications, including as a current columnist for The Morning Advertiser.
He has published eight books, including the titles Man Walks into a Pub, Hops & Glory, and Miracle Brews.
The appointment was made at the guild’s AGM last Wednesday (27 June), where Hampson said the guild had moved from a club to a more professional group under his leadership.
Brown has received the guild’s Beer Writer of the Year award three times and has won three Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards. He has also been shortlisted for two consecutive years for the André Simon Awards for food and drink books.
He said he was delighted by his appointment and honoured to follow his predecessor’s “astonishing job”.
'Modernise and flourish'
Brown explained: “During my 14 years in the guild I've seen it modernise and flourish in an exciting and rapidly changing beer world.
“I hope to help promote a positive, inclusive and ethical approach to communicating about beer. Most of all, I want to learn from our record number of members – and people who write about beer who, for whatever reason, aren't currently members – how they feel the guild can best help them."
Hampson said: "I can't think of a finer successor than Pete. He is one of the best food and drink writers in the country and an outstanding ambassador for beer. I am confident that under Pete's guidance and with the support of a fresh board of directors, the guild will continue to thrive."
Majority of female members
Following fresh appointments to the guild’s board, it now has a majority of female members – a change that will be welcome news to women in the industry. The new women are Joanna Dring, PR manager for Heineken UK; Annabel Smith, beer sommelier and founder of consultancy BeerBelle; and Natalya Watson, a blogger and marketing manager for Duvel Moortgat.
There are now five females and four males on the directors' board.