After five years with the organisation — and three years as chief executive — James Calder has announced he will be leaving SIBA (the Society of Independent Brewers) on 1st August.
Under his tenure, SIBA has supported independent breweries in the UK through Covid, providing them with the latest information, support, and guidance.
In Scotland, SIBA secured the Scottish Brewery Support Fund, and in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, lobbied successfully to ensure breweries were prioritised for financial support.
James (pictured) has also overseen negotiations with government over the future of small breweries relief, securing changes which protect more breweries while ensuring the system allows the potential for growth and positive reform.
SIBA has provided more benefits to members, revamped its beer competitions, and seen a hugely successful return to Liverpool for BeerX 2022 under James’ leadership.
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James said: “It has been an immense privilege to lead SIBA through the most difficult period in its history. I am especially proud and grateful to the team I have led.
“I am sad to be leaving SIBA, but I am also proud of what we have achieved. I wish SIBA, its members, and all independent breweries across the UK well.”
Chair of SIBA, Roy Allkin, said: “Through unprecedentedly challenging times for the brewing and hospitality industries over the last few years, James was always keen to ensure that SIBA’s members were fully represented and that the sector wasn’t left adrift. James will be an asset wherever his career takes him.”
Chair of the executive committee, Francis Patton, added: “I have enjoyed working with James over the last three years, and under his leadership SIBA has become closer to its members and helped many brewers through challenging times during the pandemic. I wish him well in his future career.”
The process to appoint James’ successor is now under way. SIBA’s senior management team will manage the organisation on a day-to-day basis with support from SIBA’s executive until an appointment is made.
