SIBA boss Calder to step down
The board at SIBA confirmed he will leave on Monday 1 August to take on a new challenge. Under his tenure, James has overseen negotiations with the Government over the future of small breweries relief.
Furthermore, the trade body has provided more benefits to its members, revamped its beer competitions and saw a return to Liverpool for BeerX under James’ leadership.
Immense privilege
On his departure, Calder said: “It has been an immense privilege to lead SIBA through the most difficult period in its history.
“I am especially proud and grateful to the team I have led. I am sad to be leaving SIBA but I am also proud of what we have achieved.
“I wish SIBA, its members and all independent breweries across the UK well.”
In addition, he tweeted thank you to the SIBA team, brewers, suppliers and licensees.
After 3 incredible years at the helm of SIBA, I'm sad to say I'm stepping down. I want to say a huge thankyou foremost to team SIBA and all the brewers, incredible suppliers and publicans too. I've made many lifelong friends, for sure! https://t.co/iKt5ihEPSp
— James Calder (@jmcalder101) July 27, 2022
Career details
James was previously SIBA head of public affairs and communications before he was appointed chief executive in 2019, taking the reins from Mike Benner.
SIBA chair Roy Allkin said: “Through unprecedented challenging times for the brewing and hospitality industries over the past few years, James was always keen to ensure SIBA’s members were fully represented and the sector wasn’t left adrift.
“James will be an asset wherever his career takes him.”
Executive committee chair Francis Patton said he had enjoyed working with James over the past three years.
He added: “Under his leadership, SIBA has become closer to its members and helped many brewers through challenging times during the pandemic. I wish him well in the future.”
The process to appoint a successor is underway. In the interim, SIBA senior management team will manage the organisation on a day-to-day basis with support from its executive until a replacement is found.
