Adnams brewery chairman stands down due to ‘health reasons’

The chairman of historic brewery Adnams said he was resigning with immediate effect for health reasons.

The company, based in Southwold, Suffolk, previously announced Jonathan Adnams would step down before an annual shareholder meeting in June 2025.

He said he was “saddened” to be leaving earlier than planned but would “continue to champion the business from the sidelines”.

It marks the end of the family’s representation on the 152-year-old company’s board, although it remains a major shareholder.

Mr Adnams joined the company in 1975 and was appointed chairman in 2006.

He said it had “always been a lot more than just a name” to him.

“I’m also reassured that the principles on which we built the business – integrity, charity, innovation – are as present today as they ever were,” he added.

As well as its brewery and distillery, Adnams runs 11 pubs and hotels and has a further 34 partner pubs across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.

The company announced operating losses of £2.5m in 2023, blaming higher costs.

Current non-executive director Simon Townsend will become chairman on an interim basis.

He said: “The Adnams family, business and community owes a debt of gratitude to Jonathan for the contribution he’s made over a 50-year career.

“His personal commitment to innovation – in our products, through to our brewing and distilling capabilities – has been instrumental in building the foundations we continue to benefit from today.”

He added he was “committed to securing the long-term financial solution we need to support our growth”.