Wimbledon Brewery — which has a stated mission to be the premium English beer brand globally — has appointed David Bateman, previously chief financial and operating officer at Paperchase, as its first managing director.
David (pictured) has made a financial investment in the Wimbledon group, which comprises the brewery, Firebird bars and restaurants, and the Wimbledon Distillery
He joined the stationery brand in 2000, when the company’s turnover was some £15m, and oversaw significant growth, with the business now trading in more than 200 sites internationally and having a rapidly-growing web business.
He left in September 2017 with the retailer’s turnover now at £150m, having helped lead the organisation through private equity ownership and its subsequent sale to Borders in 2004, and a 2010 MBO, backed by Primary Capital, which remains the majority equity partner today.
Wimbledon Brewery founder, Mark Gordon, said: “David was absolutely instrumental in the growth and success of Paperchase. He was — and will be for our brand — a tremendous business partner, and his retailing insight and business acumen took Paperchase from being a small UK retailer to one with international pedigree and significant growth potential. I believe that his skills and experience can add huge value to the Wimbledon Group going forward.”
David said: “I’m very excited to be joining the Wimbledon Group at this time. Mark and his team have done a fantastic job in establishing the brand both locally and nationally, and providing a platform for growth.
“I believe the Wimbledon Brewery brand — with its current supply arrangements with numerous pub companies and large brewers, retailers such as M&S and Waitrose, and traction with a number of high-end establishments, is set up to exploit both the domestic and international market.
“Its recognition in the Country & Town House Great British Brands of 2018, alongside such a prestigious group of businesses, is an honour the team should be very proud of.”
