Top people moves in drinks: April

Kevin George appointed chief executive of St Austell 

Kevin Georgel, chief executive of UK pub company Admiral Taverns, was appointed the new chief executive of Cornish brewery St Austell, after current occupant James Staughton retires next year.

Georgel, who has spent five years as chief executive of pub chain Admiral, will take on the new role at St Austell in January 2020, according to a statement from the brewery.

He has been a member of St Austell’s board for four years and is “a perfect fit for our company”, according to St Austell brewery chairman Will Michelmore.

“Whilst we are fleet of foot and adapt to changing market opportunities, St Austell Brewery is proud to take a long-term view and I am pleased that today’s announcement of both Kevin and James’ plans will enable a smooth handover of this key role from January 2020,” he added.

Georgel, said: “I have known and admired St Austell Brewery, and more recently Bath Ales for a long time. As a non-executive director I have developed a deeper understanding and appreciation of the business, its people and customers and I am thrilled to have been asked to succeed James in 2020. I am enormously conscious and respectful of the values and history of this great company and feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to join the business at this exciting time.”

Staughton will take on the role as honorary president on his retirement, and will continue to be an ambassador for the company.