St Austell Brewery Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

St Austell Brewery has announced the appointment of Don Davis as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Don will be joining the brewing, hospitality and drinks wholesale company in August, and will bring with him more than 30 years of retail experience, most recently at national women’s clothing brand Hush, where Don served as CFO and contributed to the significant expansion of the business.

Prior to that, Don held a number of senior finance roles, including Finance Director at global online retailer ASOS and Homebase.

It was announced in March that current CFO, Colin Stratton, will be stepping down from his role at the independent family-owned business at the end of this year. Colin, who has been with St Austell Brewery for 29 years, will retain his current responsibilities as Company Secretary on a part time basis until he fully retires at the end of 2027.

Kevin Georgel, Chief Executive, St Austell Brewery, said: “After an extensive search for our new CFO, we’re delighted to welcome Don to the business. His significant financial and operational experience, gained in a number of high-profile retail brands and growth-focussed companies, will add significant value."

"As a business we continue to make good progress against our strategic plans, and we remain firmly on a growth trajectory. As such I am looking forward to working with Don as the latest addition to our Executive team and I am confident that Don’s wealth of experience and strong cultural fit will ensure that he will make a significant contribution in the ongoing development and growth of the company.”

Kevin added: “Colin has been a mainstay at the business for almost three decades, and we would like to thank him for his significant contribution over his many years of dedicated service, we are grateful that we will be retaining his extensive knowledge of the business for a further two years.”

Don Davis, new CFO of St Austell Brewery, said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining an independent, family-owned business with an admirable track record."

"As well as having a clear and compelling growth strategy, St Austell Brewery’s most recent financial results demonstrate continued momentum, and I look forward to working with Kevin and the team and playing a significant role in shaping the company’s next chapter.”

Photo credit: Claire Connold Photography