BrewDog names new CEO, as Arrow departs

Craft beer brewer and bar operator BrewDog has announced the immediate appointment of a new chief executive officer and chief operations officer.

James Taylor (pictured), who has been BrewDog's chief financial officer since November 2023, has been promoted to CEO, while Lauren Carrol, previously chief marketing officer, is now its new COO.

Outgoing CEO James Arrow is stepping down for personal reasons, nearly one year after he took the reins from co-founder James Watt.  

"The board would like to thank James Arrow for his contribution to BrewDog, first as COO, before taking over as CEO in 2024, in particular overseeing the restructuring of the US business, strengthening the company’s operational framework and driving its on-trade presence, including a landmark partnership with the MCC at Lord’s," the company states. 

Boardroom background  

Prior to joining BrewDog, Taylor held senior leadership roles at Mayborn, GHD and Anya Hindmarch. BrewDog says his appointment comes at a time when the company continues to prioritise profitability, global bar expansion and innovation in the beer market.  

Carrol joined BrewDog in 2018 and was appointed CMO in 2022. Prior to BrewDog, she worked project management roles at Stork.

"James Taylor has been an instrumental leader at BrewDog, steering the financial strategy and laying a strong foundation for profitable growth,” says Allan Leighton, chairman of BrewDog. "His deep understanding of our business, coupled with his proven track record in operational excellence, makes him the ideal choice to guide BrewDog into its next chapter.

"I would also like to congratulate Lauren for her promotion, testament to her fantastic work and proven track record during her time at BrewDog. Finally, I would like to thank James Arrow for his contribution to BrewDog since he arrived in 2023 and wish him every success in the future."

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