During his leadership, Hopkins has overseen the brewery move from its original Moss Side site to a new brewing operation in Media City, Salford, and grown the managed pub operation of the business. He will be succeeded by current finance director Adam Mayers.
Hopkins, who is set to leave the business on 1 June, said: “After leading Hydes for over 20 years, I did not anticipate that my last couple of months would be spent in lockdown at home, rather than in the brewery and around the sites.
“It feels very odd to be leaving what has always been a bustling and vibrant business at a time when it is not trading at all. However, I am pleased the company was in a robust financial position prior to the closure in March and is well set to deal with the extraordinary challenges that it currently faces. I’m confident that it will reopen and thrive once again in the future.”
Talented team
He paid tribute to the hard work of colleagues and said he was proud of business he was leaving: “I have, hopefully, provided some level of direction as the company has developed but nothing can be achieved in a business like Hydes without the hard work of a large, committed and talented team, offering the different skills necessary to meet the needs of our customers.”
Mayers joined Hydes in February 2009 as finance director and has been actively involved in all aspects of the business throughout his time with Hydes, including the acquisition of pub group Woodward & Falconer and the move to the new brewery site in 2012.
Prior to his time with Hydes, he held various financial posts in other businesses including Citi Group, Interfloor and Arthur Andersen.
He added: “I am delighted to be given this opportunity to lead Hydes, a company with fantastic heritage, great pubs, excellent beer and outstanding people. These are very challenging times for us all, but I feel Hydes is well placed to look forward with confidence when the pubs and brewery reopens.”