Tributes paid to St Austell's Jim Sloan
Kevin Georgel, chief executive of St Austell, announced the news this week, saying: “I’m terribly sad to share the news that Jim Sloan passed away peacefully last week following a long and brave battle with illness.
“All of our thoughts are with his beloved wife Sue, his daughters, Camilla and Olivia, and his wider family at this very difficult time.”
Sloan had joined St Austell Brewery in 2002 having previously worked at both Whitbread and Greene King and Georgel said he made “an immeasurable contribution” to the business. “He was held in the highest esteem by his colleagues, our tenants, and the wider pub industry.
He added: “Throughout his time with us, Jim demonstrated enormous integrity, professionalism, and diligence. I know that, like me, many of our tenants and colleagues have been deeply impacted by his passing. He played such a significant role in supporting and helping so many people, which he always did so willingly and naturally.
“These are sad times indeed for everyone within the St Austell family. Jim will be hugely missed.”
Tributes have been paid from across the industry from colleagues.
Steve Alton, chief executive of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), said: “Jim was the best of our industry, always smiling, positive, generous and would give his time and talent freely to others. An absolute gentlemen who always left you positive & smiling after meeting him. He was a great friend to the BII and will be sadly missed by the whole team. Our thoughts are with his family and our friends at St Austell Brewery.”
Chris Black, BII Licensee of the Year and director of Cornish Inns, said: “Jim was a brilliant person to work with who always had time for you. He will be sadly missed by us and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
James Staughton, president of St Austell Brewery, added: “Jim was a very hard working and loyal member of our team. He was highly regarded and he will be sorely missed by all his many friends. He fought his illness with huge courage and a brave smile. My thoughts are with Sue, Olivia and Camilla at such a sad time.”
