Former Black Sheep Brewery chairman Andy Slee will officially begin as SIBA chief executive on Sunday 1 January 2023.
Slee said: “I am of the passionate belief small independent breweries are a force for good in the communities they serve; they are the vibrant heart that helps bring people together.”
Challenging times
Taking leadership experience from his time as chairman of North Yorkshire based Black Sheep Brewery and as a non-executive director at Titanic Brewery as well as prior positions at Coca Cola, Punch Taverns and Bass, Slee brings a breadth of experience to the role as well as a personal passion for local independent beer.
He added: “SIBA represents a huge breadth of independent British brewers. Our job is to help create an environment in which all can thrive in what are very challenging times and ensure local beer is a vibrant and growing part of the British beer landscape.
“That can only be achieved by helping small independent breweries to thrive. I look forward to working with the SIBA team and all its members to do just that.”
Progressive future
Slee will take over from James Calder, who stepped down as chief executive in August this year after three years in the role and five years in total with the trade association, with SIBA’s senior management team having managed the organisation on a day-to-day basis with support from its executive until a replacement was found.
SIBA chairman of the board Richard Naisby said: “Andy’s knowledge and passion for the independent brewing sector is absolutely evident and I am certain he is the right man to drive forward SIBA in 2023.
“I look forward to working with him as he delivers a bright and progressive future for the organisation.”