Southwold brewery Adnams has announced the appointment of Jenny Hanlon as its new chief executive officer.
Hanlon, 48, will become the first female CEO of the brewing business in its 150 year history.
Hanlon, who has been serving as the company’s chief financial officer, will succeed Dr Andy Wood OBE DL, who is to remain with the business until the end of the year in a consultancy capacity before retiring.
The appointment follows a long-term succession plan announced last July, and was approved by the board on 28 March 2024.
Hanlon will formally commence her new role from 1 July 2024.
Having started her career with Ernst and Young, and become a member of the Adnams Board in 2020, Hanlon has performed senior finance roles with Greene King, Barclays, Willis plc, iprism and GRP Group.
Originally from Hitchin in Hertfordshire, she moved to Suffolk in 2002, since then she has held various roles in support of community-based charities. She is currently treasurer for Aldeburgh Cinema Trust.
Hanlon said: “This is a hugely exciting time to be taking the reins from Andy. The Adnams brand is cherished and championed by colleagues and customers, in its heartland of the East of England, across the wider UK and throughout dozens of countries around the world.
“Looking ahead, what’s important is that we keep evolving and keep innovating – our brand and product portfolio, our brewing, distilling and distribution operations and our estate – while continuing to support our customers, communities and colleagues with the same values and commitments which have served us so well.”
Dr Wood added: “It’s been an honour and a privilege to lead Adnams, a business which has been at the heart of our community in Suffolk for over 150 years.
“While the markets we operate in continue to face many challenges, I’m confident that Adnams has the vision and values to build on its incredible success story in the years ahead, and to remain a proud innovator in the market.”
Dr Jonathan Adnams OBE, chairman of Adnams, concluded: “Andy has been a driving force in building Adnams into the business it is today, leading with both principal and professionalism. We will be forever grateful for the lasting impact he has had on Adnams and wish him well for the future.
“Jenny is the ideal candidate to lead us through the next chapter of Adnams’ evolution, both in stabilising our financial footing but also capitalising on Adnams’ unique strengths.”