St Austell appoints Georgina Young as brewing director

Young, who joined St Austell owned Bath Ales in May 2019 from Fuller’s – where she became the company’s first female head brewer in 2017 – will succeed Roger Ryman as brewing director. 

As reported by The Morning Advertiser​, Ryman – who led St Austell’s brewing team for more than two decades – passed away​ in May following a battle with cancer and was posthumously awarded a Silver Tankard Lifetime Achievement Award by The Society of Independent Brewers for his services to the industry​.

“I’ve been a long-time admirer of St Austell Brewery’s beers and feel honoured to be taking up the reins from Roger,” Young said of her new role.

“Overseeing production down in Cornwall, while continuing to head up Bath Ales, offers me a new challenge. I’m looking forward to this next chapter and working more closely with the brilliant team down in Cornwall.”

Perfect guardian 

Young will continue to be based at Bath Ales’ Hare Brewery headquarters while overseeing operations in St Austell and will report to St Austell’s managing director of beer and brands, Andrew Turner, who recently joined the company from Heineken.

“Since welcoming Georgina to the business, she’s been instrumental in helping us to realise the full potential of Bath Ales’ beer brands,” Turner said. 

“She’s respected throughout the industry and is the perfect guardian for St Austell Brewery’s portfolio of beers. 

“We can’t think of a better person to lead us into our next chapter and inspire the next generation of brewers.”

St Austell’s chief executive Kevin Georgel added: “We’re delighted to have appointed Georgina as our new brewing director. 

“As one of Roger’s oldest friends in the industry, he was thrilled when she joined the business last year. 

“He held her in the highest regard, and we know he would be very proud to see her take the helm and steer us forward.”