T&R Theakston has announced two changes to its leadership structure as the business begins planning for its third century of trading.
Simon Theakston
From 1st January, Simon Theakston, a descendant of the brewery’s original founder, who first started working for the Masham-based business in 1981, will take up the role of company chairman. The move comes 20 years after Simon played a leading role in the family buy-back of the business from Scottish and Newcastle.
In this new role, Simon will continue to be actively involved with the business, supporting the board and Richard Bradbury ,who will assume the role of sole managing director.
Richard has been a director of T&R Theakston since 2015, and joint managing director with Simon since November 2020. He has extensive leadership experience in the brewing industry at both Marston’s and Heineken. He will now continue to work on Theakston’s future growth alongside Simon.
“This is a natural evolution from how Richard and I currently work together,” said Simon. “Having jointly charted the company through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the current cost inflation impacts on the brewing and hospitality sectors, this new structure will ensure Theakston’s continued growth as we look forward to its bi-centenary in 2027 and beyond.”
While returning the brewery to family control, Simon has also overseen the business’s incredible growth and shown his commitment to the local economy by holding a number of external positions, including the immediate past presidency of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, organiser of the annual Great Yorkshire Show. He is also a former chairman of the Yorkshire Beer and Pub Association.
Richard Bradbury
He is currently chairman of Pub is the Hub, a not-for profit organisation, a role he has had since 2009, and is the founding sponsor of the Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival. He will continue in both these roles, among others, alongside chairing T&R Theakston.
Richard said: “Simon’s commitment to the business, the industry, and Yorkshire over the last 40 years and more goes beyond that of most people. As a fifth generation descendant of the founder, his connection with both the brewery, its beers, and its fans is deep rooted, and as chairman of the business, this will continue.
“Over the last three years, we’ve worked closely together, and it was rewarding, this year, to be able to report a return to profit, despite the challenges many in our industry have and continue to face.
“With firm favourite beers such as Old Peculier and new products like Quencher and Summit performing well, it’s an exciting time to not only be a fan of our beers but be a part of this iconic brewery.”
