Adnams has today announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer.
Jenny Hanlon, 48, will become the first female CEO of the award winning brewing business in its 150 year history.
Mrs Hanlon, who has been serving as the company’s Chief Financial Officer, will succeed Dr Andy Wood OBE DL, who is to remain with the business until the end of the year in a consultancy capacity before retiring.
The appointment follows a long-term succession plan announced last July, and was approved by the Board on 28th March, 2024. It will see Mrs Hanlon formally commence the role from 1st July, 2024.
Having started her career with Ernst & Young, and become a member of the Adnams Board in 2020, Mrs Hanlon has performed senior finance roles with Greene King, Barclays, Willis plc, iprism and GRP Group.
Originally from Hitchin in Hertfordshire, she moved to Suffolk in 2002, since when she has held various roles in support of community-based charities. She is currently Treasurer for Aldeburgh Cinema Trust.
Speaking on confirmation of her appointment as CEO, she said: “This is a hugely exciting time to be taking the reins from Andy.
“The Adnams brand is cherished and championed by colleagues and customers, in its heartland of the East of England, across the wider UK and throughout dozens of countries around the world.
“Looking ahead, what’s important is that we keep evolving and keep innovating – our brand and product portfolio, our brewing, distilling and distribution operations and our estate – while continuing to support our customers, communities and colleagues with the same values and commitments which have served us so well.”
Mr Wood’s career at Adnams spans almost 30 years, including 14 years as CEO during which time he led the transformation of the business from a regional brewing company into a diversified beer, wine and spirits company with a pub, hotel and retail estate.
Having been a champion for Adnams’ commitment to sustainability, Mr Wood was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2013 and previously served as HRH The Prince of Wales’ Ambassador for Responsible Business in the East of England.
Dr Wood said: “It’s been an honour and a privilege to lead Adnams, a business which has been at the heart of our community in Suffolk for over 150 years.
“While the markets we operate in continue to face many challenges, I’m confident that Adnams has the vision and values to build on its incredible success story in the years ahead, and to remain a proud innovator in the market.”
Dr Jonathan Adnams OBE, chairman of Adnams, said: “Andy has been a driving force in building Adnams into the business it is today, leading with both principle and professionalism. We will be forever grateful for the lasting impact he has had on Adnams and wish him well for the future.
“Jenny is the ideal candidate to lead us through the next chapter of Adnams’ evolution, both in stabilising our financial footing but also capitalising on Adnams’ unique strengths.”
