BrewDog has appointed former Asda chief executive Allan Leighton as its new non-executive chairman - effective immediately - as it attempts to shake off recent complaints of a “toxic” company culture.
He will act as a mentor to BrewDog chief executive James Watt, “providing experienced counsel on leadership and governance matters”, while also helping to expand the brewer’s international footprint.
The move follows Watt publicly apologising in June after a group of around 70 former staff signed an open letter criticising BrewDog's employment practices.
The group, called Punks With Purpose argued that the Ellon-based business had been "flagged in a significant number of allegations" and accused founders Watt and Martin Dickie of building "a cult of personality".
Leighton replaces Blythe Jack, who was appointed as chair earlier this year and has been a BrewDog director since 2017.
She was tasked with overseeing the recruitment of an independent chairman in order to ensure the composition of the board is moving towards meeting the requirements of the UK Corporate Governance Code.
Blythe will remain on the board as deputy chair and will also continue to oversee the previously-announced culture review.
Leighton has worked as the chief executive of Asda and Pandora, and was the non-executive chairman of the Co-Operative Group, Royal Mail, Entertainment One, Element Materials Technology Group and Wagamama.
His appointment follows the final close of the latest Equity For Punks round, which raised £30.2m from nearly 74,000 investors, including more than 68,000 new investors, ahead of its Japanese expansion and potential stock market float.
BrewDog also confirmed that 99 of its 104 bars and hotels around the world are now open and operating in accordance with relevant Covid-19 guidelines.
Leighton commented: “BrewDog has built an incredible market position and brand in a short space of time - it continues to grow quickly all over the world, has a fantastic team of people, and an outstanding sustainability story to tell.
“I look forward to playing my role in ensuring the company has the right governance in place to capitalise on the opportunities ahead.”
Watt added: “As we continue to build our business and implement a range of initiatives to become the best business we can be, Allan’s mentorship and personal guidance will be invaluable.”
Don't miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter - sign up here for free.
