Founder of Beavertown Brewery Logan Plant, son of Led Zeppelin rock legend Robert Plant, will step down as chief executive and will take on a new advisory role, with Jochen Van Esch taking on the new managing director role.
Heineken UK purchased a minority share in Beavertown in 2018 and has invested significantly since, including the development of a state-of-the-art brewery in north London.
Beavertown will continue to be operated separately with its own functional teams including sales, marketing, brewing and wider existing teams.
Natural step
Plant said: “Beavertown began in my kitchen, 10 years ago. From brewing in a rice pan to one of the most successful British brewers in recent years, employing over 160 people and brewing 360,000 hectolitres of beer.
“Its success is something I could never have predicted back then, and I am extremely proud that we have agreed the deal with Heineken UK, which is the natural next step for Beavertown, its brands and, most importantly, its people.
“The culture of Beavertown is incredibly important – our unique creativity in our design and marketing, our drive to brew the very best-tasting beers and the passion for excellence at the moment people order a pint – and this is something that will continue.
“With Heineken UK, we have a partner who provides support, advice and investment, and gives us the space to flourish. Without them, my dream of being a world-renowned brewery that began with that rice pan a decade ago, would have been impossible.
“Jochen has worked closely with us all and I have absolute confidence that under his stewardship, the future of Beavertown is burning bright.”
Independent creativity
Heineken UK managing director Boudewijn Haarsma added: “This is a hugely positive step, and builds on a partnership that will see Beavertown continue to expand and flourish, while remaining committed to its independent creativity.”
Van Esch, who has worked for Heineken for more than 20 years, and has been at Heineken UK since 2014, when he began as brewery operations director, said: “I’ve worked closely alongside Logan and the team for five years now, during which the new brewery has been built, we’ve opened the first Beavertown pub, and the brand has become one of the most popular super premium beers in the country.
“Beavertown’s journey will not see huge change because the strategy is right – the brand is in growth, it has a fantastic culture and work ethos and people love the beers. We will support, invest and grow the company, and I am incredibly excited about the future.”
It is expected that the new ownership structure will allow the brand to grow significantly and could see up to 50 new jobs being created.
The purchase amount for the remaining shares will not be disclosed.
