Adnams brewery chairman steps down due to health reasons

Earlier this year, Mr Adnams had told shareholders of the Southwold beer, spirits and hospitality group that he was considering retiring before the company’s annual general meeting in June 2025. 

However, after 18 years as the chairman, he is immediately stepping down due to health reasons. 

Mr Adnams said he was “saddened” to be leaving earlier than planned but would “continue to champion the business from the sidelines”. 

It marks the end of the family’s representation on the 152-year-old company’s board, although it remains a major shareholder, the BBC reported. 

Long-time chairman 

Mr Adnams began his career in brewery engineering at the company in 1975 and joined the board in 1988. 

He was appointed managing director in 1997 and chairman in 2006. 

He was awarded an OBE in 2008 for his commitment to corporate social responsibility. 

As well as its brewery and distillery, Adnams runs 11 pubs and hotels and has a further 34 partner pubs across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. 

Current non-executive director Simon Townsend will become chairman on an interim basis. 

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