The Court and Committees
In accordance with the Charter of Charles I, the Brewers’ Company is Governed by a Court (board) made up of the Master, the Upper, Middle and Renter Wardens and up to 28 Assistants. Court Assistants are appointed from the Livery by the Master and Wardens.
The Master is elected and installed annually at the Court meeting which takes place in July. Also elected and installed at this meeting are the Upper, Middle and Renter Wardens. Under normal circumstances, an individual elected as Renter Warden will progress through the ranks of Middle and Upper Warden, before becoming Master after three years.
Hover your mouse over the diagram, or tap to find out more.
The Master 2022-2023
Mr James Staughton OBE DL
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’ service 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.
Upper Warden 2022-2023
Prof Katherine Smart, Diageo GB
Middle Warden 2022-2023
Mr Fergus McMullen DL, McMullen & Sons
Renter Warden 2022-2023
Mr Stephen Gould, Everards Brewery
Court 2022-2023
Court Assistants include representatives from the Company's member breweries, as well as the Chairs of the Company's permanent committees and representatives from the governing bodies of its schools.
Staff
There are four full time members of staff at Brewers’ Hall and a part-time Archivist. The Clerk is the Chief Executive and reports to the Master and Wardens and the Court. He is supported by the Deputy Clerk whose main responsibility is overseeing the finances of the Company and its foundations and trusts. The Livery Manager is responsible for administrative support for the Company and its charities, as well as supporting the membership. The Beadle is responsible for the management of the Hall and the running of all functions within the Hall.