The founder of Glasgow's famous WEST brewery is stepping down after 13 years at the helm.
Petra Wetzel will be moving away from the day-to-day running of the beer hall and brewery.
The business's long-standing sales director Matt Munro has been appointed as the new managing director and will assume overall responsibility for the strategic, operational, sales, and marketing functions of the business.
WEST operates two breweries and a packaging operation, as well as one of Glasgow’s most iconic venues - a German-style beer hall, events and wedding venue, and beer garden in the east of the city.
WEST Founder Petra said: “After 13 years at the helm of WEST I have made the decision to step away from the day to day running of the beerhall and brewery business to allow me to dedicate more time to projects both connected and unconnected to the core WEST business.
"I will retain my shareholding in the business and will continue to assist the team in an advisory capacity. I have long had an interest in angel investment, supporting women in business and ensuring younger people in Scotland reach their potential. This will provide the time to commit my energy to these causes close to my Gerwegian heart.
“Matt has been an integral part of the senior management team at WEST for the past five years and brings over twenty years’ experience working in senior sales and commercial roles in the Scottish licensed trade at Wallaces Express and C&C Group.
"We share a passion and vision for the future of the WEST business and I can think of no better person to lead the business in the years ahead. The senior team has all worked together for many years and we are firm believers in nurturing talent from within our own organisation. I couldn’t be prouder of the team at WEST today.”
“WEST, like many businesses in the hospitality industry, was badly affected by the lock-down restrictions over the last 15 months. However, its dedicated and entrepreneurial team has ensured the brewery and hospitality company quickly adapted to weekly changes in restrictions and, as a result, the business is in a strong financial and operational position."
