Adnams returns family member to helm of brewery

Jonathan Adnams is poised to become executive chairman of Adnams next year when Simon Loftus retires as the head of one of Britain's few remaining family brewers.

Mr Loftus, who took the helm at the Suffolk brewer ten years ago following the retirement of Jonathan's father John Adnams, has helped build the company's beer and wine divisions into nationally-recognised businesses. He had long planned to retire upon reaching 60 and will stay on as a non-executive director.

Mr Adnams, who joined the company in 1973, says there will be further restructuring of the management team to reflect developments in the beer market and look at ways of upgrading customers services. The company's hotels are also to be more closely integrated under the management of a single general manager.

"Simon has always made it known he wished to retire at 60 and this has given us plenty of time to plan his succession," Mr Adnams said. "However, the time will come around quickly and I already have a lot to do."

In addition to Jonathan Adnams' promotion, Andy Wood is to be promoted from sales and marketing director to managing director, with both appointments coming into effect when Mr Loftus retires in August 2006. Furthermore, Steve Curzon, former head of marketing, will become marketing director with immediate effect.