BrewDog president to take over Stonegate

David McDowall, current president and COO of Brewdog, will take over from Simon Longbottom in February 2023

Stonegate Group, operator of 4,500 pubs nationwide, has announced that Simon Longbottom is stepping down from his CEO position, with David McDowall, current president and COO of BrewDog, to take the helm. 

Longbottom will leave his role in February to pursue other interests abroad. McDowall, a highly regarded operator who has been instrumental in building BrewDog's craft beer, bar and venue brand since its inception in 2007, will work alongside his forebear until spring to facilitate an orderly handover. 

Longbottom will remain a Stonegate Group shareholder, working alongside the company's founder and chairman Ian Payne to ensure a smooth transition. 

"Looking to the future, Simon leaves Stonegate in excellent health and trading extremely well," says Payne. "The board is confident that David will continue to drive Stonegate forward and take advantage of the many opportunities ahead."

On his new role, McDowall comments: "Stonegate is an outstanding business, with a clear strategy, highly capable management team and hugely exciting future. I am passionate about pubs and the wider brewing sector and am looking forward to be joining the team and further unlocking the clear potential of this great business."


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