Controversial Brewdog founder James Watt steps downs
Last orders: Brewdog boss James Watt is dating former Made in Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo (pictured)
The boss of Brewdog is stepping down following a string of controversies since setting up the Scottish brewer 17 years ago.
James Watt will hand over the reins to chief operating officer James Arrow but will remain as a non-executive director.
He will also keep his 21 per cent stake. Watt, who is dating former Made in Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo, set up Brewdog with Martin Dickie in 2007.
But his tenure has been marred by controversy, with the firm accused by former workers in 2021 of having a ‘culture of fear’, with ‘toxic attitudes’ towards junior staff.
He said: ‘There have been highs and lows, up and downs, crazy successes and incredibly hard challenges.
When I look back on the last 17 years (119 Dog Years) my overwhelming feeling is gratitude.’
He said he was grateful for the tough times too, for the lessons learned. Chairman Allan Leighton said: ‘Few have accomplished what he has.
From humble beginnings, Brewdog has grown to become the world’s leading craft brewer.