St Austell Brewery Appoints Don Davis as New Chief Financial Officer

Major leadership shift as long-serving financial head prepares to retire

St Austell Brewery has appointed Don Davis as its new Chief Financial Officer, with the seasoned retail executive set to join the company in August.

Don brings over 30 years of experience in retail finance, most recently serving as CFO at women’s fashion brand Hush, where he played a key role in the company’s expansion. His previous roles include Finance Director positions at global names like ASOS and Homebase.

Part of a long-term succession plan

The move follows the brewery’s March announcement that current CFO, Colin Stratton, will step down from the role at the end of this year. Colin has been with the company for 29 years and will remain on a part-time basis as Company Secretary until fully retiring at the end of 2027.

Chief Executive Kevin Georgel said:

“After an extensive search for our new CFO, we’re delighted to welcome Don to the business. His significant financial and operational experience, gained in a number of high-profile retail brands and growth-focussed companies, will add significant value.”

“As a business we continue to make good progress against our strategic plans, and we remain firmly on a growth trajectory. As such I am looking forward to working with Don as the latest addition to our Executive team and I am confident that Don’s wealth of experience and strong cultural fit will ensure that he will make a significant contribution in the ongoing development and growth of the company.”

Kevin also paid tribute to Colin’s long service:

“Colin has been a mainstay at the business for almost three decades, and we would like to thank him for his significant contribution over his many years of dedicated service. We are grateful that we will be retaining his extensive knowledge of the business for a further two years.”

Looking ahead to future growth

Don Davis expressed his excitement about the move:

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining an independent, family-owned business with an admirable track record. As well as having a clear and compelling growth strategy, St Austell Brewery’s most recent financial results demonstrate continued momentum, and I look forward to working with Kevin and the team and playing a significant role in shaping the company’s next chapter.”

St Austell Brewery, a well-known name in brewing, hospitality and drinks wholesale, has not released further details on the timing of Don’s official start date beyond August.

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