WH Brakspear, the Henley-on-Thames based company that closed its brewery last year to concentrate on running pubs, is to have a new chief executive from March 1.
Scott Cooper, 45, the current financial director, will also become chief executive, replacing Jim Burrows, who will leave the company after its AGM in April.
Under Burrows the company made the controversial decision to exit brewing and redevelop the brewery site, selling the rights to make its beers to Refresh UK, which has said it will build a new brewery in South Oxfordshire.
Brakspear's chairman, Mike Foster, said: "During the last six years Jim Burrows has ably steered the company through a difficult period of transition.
"With the support of the board and as a result of his efforts, the new organisation is much stronger, significantly more profitable and simpler to operate.
"Now, with the major changes complete, the Board believes it is the right time to slim down the executive team, and Jim Burrows has agreed to step down."
Brakspear, which is due to announce its annual results for 2002 on 18 March, said it expects its performance to be "in line with market expectations."
Scott Cooper, 45, the current financial director, will also become chief executive, replacing Jim Burrows, who will leave the company after its AGM in April.
Under Burrows the company made the controversial decision to exit brewing and redevelop the brewery site, selling the rights to make its beers to Refresh UK, which has said it will build a new brewery in South Oxfordshire.
Brakspear's chairman, Mike Foster, said: "During the last six years Jim Burrows has ably steered the company through a difficult period of transition.
"With the support of the board and as a result of his efforts, the new organisation is much stronger, significantly more profitable and simpler to operate.
"Now, with the major changes complete, the Board believes it is the right time to slim down the executive team, and Jim Burrows has agreed to step down."
Brakspear, which is due to announce its annual results for 2002 on 18 March, said it expects its performance to be "in line with market expectations."
