Welcome to the Master Brewer 2023-24 - James Staughton

On Thursday 13 July the Court elected James Staughton, President of St Austell Brewery, as Master of the Brewers’ Company for 2023-24. Also elected at the meeting were the Upper Warden: Katherine Smart, Technical Director of Diageo, the Middle Warden: Fergus McMullen, Production & Sales Director of McMullen & Sons, and the Renter Warden: Stephen Gould, Managing Director of Everards Brewery.

James Staughton graduated from Bransons College in Quebec, Canada where he studied Business Studies before joining the family business St Austell Brewery in 1980. The Brewery was founded in 1851 by his great-great grandfather Walter Hicks and James is fifth generation. He retired in 2020 following forty years’ service having held a variety of roles including Wine and Spirit Director before becoming CEO in 2000. He is now Honorary President and a shareholder. James is an active and influential member of the Cornish community both as a Deputy Lieutenant and a recognised champion for the County’s people through the Cornish Ambassador Scheme and as Chair of the Cornwall Place Board. More recently he has become a Trustee of the Children’s Sailing Trust which provides sailing and water activities to young people, whatever their financial background or their physical or learning abilities. Previously he has been Chair of the Independent Family Brewers of Britain (IFBB), St Austell Bay Economic Forum, St Austell Town Revitalisation Partnership, Clean Cornwall and a Non-Executive Director of the Cornwall Development Company. James’ services to the brewing industry and the community of Cornwall was recognised with the award of an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list in 2020.

The new Master and Wardens were welcomed heartily by the Court and by members of the Livery at the Luncheon after the meeting. The opportunity was also taken to thank Jonathan Neame for his service as Master over the last year, during which time he has guided the Compnay confidently through many challenges.