St Austell Brewery Highlights Women Shaping the Company on Its 175th Anniversary

As St Austell Brewery marks its 175th anniversary, the business is recognising the role women have played in shaping both its past and its future.

More than a century ago, one woman stepped into leadership at a time when it was highly unusual. Today, women continue to work across brewing, pubs, wholesale and leadership roles throughout the company, helping guide the business as it moves forward.

The milestone also coincides with International Women’s Day being marked this week, providing an opportunity for the brewery to reflect on the contribution of women across the organisation.

📷Abi Dymond

A legacy that began with Hester Parnell

The story begins in 1911 with Hester Parnell, daughter of the brewery’s founder Walter Hicks.

Following the untimely death of her brother Walter, Hester stepped in to run the brewery during a period when women were rarely seen in leadership roles and the suffragette movement was making headlines.

Under Hester’s leadership the business expanded rapidly. Brewing output almost doubled and the company acquired 72 pubs across the South West during her tenure, which lasted until 1939.

Her leadership helped lay the foundations for the company to grow into the brewer, hospitality and drinks wholesale business it is today.

📷Amy Walters

Reflecting during International Women’s Day

As International Women’s Day is marked this week, the brewery says it is recognising both the legacy left by Hester and the women who continue to play an important role across the organisation.

Today the business operates two breweries, six distribution centres and 165 managed and leased and tenanted pubs. A key focus across the company is ensuring workplaces are inclusive environments where people of all genders, identities, backgrounds and abilities can flourish.

Kate Price, People Director, said:

“I’ve been in the business three years in May and since joining, I’ve been enormously proud of how we continue to draw inspiration from Hester’s legacy; we remain committed to supporting women to develop, progress and become our leaders of tomorrow. Our 175th milestone is a great moment to reflect on our heritage but also to reaffirm our ambition to create workplaces where everyone feels included, respected and safe. Hospitality is a brilliant industry and I feel privileged to be leading our ambition along with the Executive team to become the South West’s leading employer.”

📷Holly Andrews

Women across the business today

Several women working across different areas of the brewery have also shared what they enjoy about their roles.

Holly Andrews, Brewing Laboratory Technician, said:

“I started as the first Lab Technician apprentice four years ago. Now qualified, I’m working towards becoming a Senior Lab Technician, with ambitions to specialise in microbiology. The lab in the heart of the brewery in Cornwall acts as a hub for the production area, so I get to work closely with colleagues across our headquarters. I love the opportunities to learn and develop. Knowing that our beer drinkers are enjoying products that have been meticulously tested for quality is incredibly rewarding.”

Abi Dymond, Class 1 HGV Driver, said:

“I joined St Austell Brewery three years ago after passing my Class 1 licence, which allowed me to drive articulated lorries. I’ve gained so much experience here, from becoming forklift-qualified to delivering across the South West from our depots and other breweries to supermarket hubs and even the Isles of Scilly docks. You meet so many different people and see so many parts of the business. It’s always interesting.”

Charlotte Olver, Events and Marketing Coordinator, said:

“I started in the Customer Experience Centre before joining the Sales Support team. After having children, I moved to part-time hours but always enjoyed helping at events such as our trade shows and the Celtic Beer Festival. That experience encouraged me to apply for the Events and Marketing Coordinator role, which I started last week. I love the variety, the travel, and working with people. Hospitality has always been a passion of mine, creating memorable moments for guests is what it’s all about.”

Natasha Milne, Property Director, said:

“I’ve worked in property teams within pub companies since I was 18, and I’ve been with St Austell Brewery for five and a half years, receiving two promotions along the way. I love working with brilliant people to enhance our stunning pub estate while respecting each building’s heritage. We’re custodians of these sites and sharing them with our communities and visitors is a privilege. Guests experience the results of our work first-hand, supported by our amazing teams across our pubs.”

Su Stafford, Trade Quality Manager, said:

“I studied Tourism Management at university and worked as a holiday rep before returning to the UK. I ran Wadworth Brewery’s Visitor Centre, where my passion for beer intensified, before progressing into trade quality. I joined St Austell Brewery in 2021 as Trade Quality Manager, helping publicans maintain their cellars and serve the best pint possible. I love training new licensees and seeing them grow in confidence. Knowing you’re helping people deliver great beer and great experiences is incredibly fulfilling.”

Amy Walters, Head of Pub Marketing and Guest Experience, said:

“I’ve been with the business for five years, progressing from Customer Experience Executive to Head of Pub Marketing and Guest Experience. Bringing guest experience and marketing together means we can improve every aspect for our pub guests, from digital channels to in pub moments. I love working with our incredible teams across the estate. Seeing the impact our pubs have on guests and reading positive feedback reminds me why hospitality matters so much to communities.”

Lisa Barry, General Manager of the Rose and Crown in Yealmpton, said:

“I started my career in 2001 as a Graduate Restaurant Manager Trainee and became a General Manager at 24. Over 26 years, I’ve built a career I love while raising my family, and I hope I can inspire my daughters to find confidence in themselves too. Since joining St Austell Brewery three years ago, I’ve been able to thrive while being my authentic self. I love every aspect of my role nurturing talent, supporting the community, running a welcoming pub, and championing local food and drink.”

📷Kate Price

Careers at St Austell Brewery

Anyone interested in working for the company can find out more about opportunities by visiting the St Austell Brewery careers page.

More details are available here:
Work with St Austell Brewery.

📷Lisa Barry

📷Lottie Olver

📷Natasha Milne

📷Su Stafford