He will take up the role at the Sussex-based brewery on 6 January 2019.
The brewery saw its sales increase by more than 65% this year amid a move to a new site in Ditchling.
Emms can boast a brewing career of nearly 30 years, including tenures at the Scottish & Newcastle and, more recently, Meantime Brewing Company.
He said: “I’ve watched Bedlam grow from its very beginnings at Albourne.
“I’ve seen it evolve and recently move to the new facility at Ditchling Common, where there’s a great team making some fantastic beers. I’m really excited about the future, working with that team and driving the business forward.”
New site
Solar energy will allow the brewery to brew more than five times the volume previously brewed.
Brewery director, Dominic Worrall said he was delighted Emms would be leading the company through its next developments.
He said: “To have someone of his calibre and experience is a sign of our ambition to further establish a long-term sustainable business.
“We are hugely grateful to all those members of the team and of course our customers, who have supported us in getting to this stage and we can’t wait to share this exciting new chapter”.
Since its launch in 2015 the brewery has produced five different core cask beers and three core keg ales, in addition to limited-edition seasonal ales.
It is the official brewery for Great British Pub Award winner The Bull, in Ditchling.