James Taylor has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive Officer of Aberdeenshire-based brewer BrewDog, just months after the company was acquired by US-based Tilray Brands. His resignation, confirmed through Companies House filings, became effective on July 1, 2026.
A spokesperson for BrewDog clarified the rationale behind Taylor’s departure, stating: “BrewDog now sits under Tilray International and, within this structure, there is no requirement for a full-time chief executive.” The spokesperson added: “James successfully led BrewDog through its ownership transition. We thank him for his contributions and wish him every success in the future.”
Taylor, who was promoted to CEO in March 2025, oversaw the company during a period described as a “difficult transition” following the change of ownership. The acquisition by Tilray Brands, a US cannabis and beverage firm, was finalised on March 2, 2026, in a pre-pack administration deal valued at £33 million. This transaction included BrewDog’s global intellectual property, its UK brewing operations, and 11 strategic brewpubs located across the UK and Ireland.
Prior to the sale, BrewDog had accumulated significant liabilities, with administrators AlixPartners estimating the company’s debts at “nearly £500 million” or “more than £550 million.” Unsecured creditors, including many small investors who participated in the company’s “Equity for Punks” crowdfunding scheme, were informed that their shares held “essentially no value” and were expected to receive less than a penny in the pound.
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The takeover resulted in the immediate closure of 38 BrewDog bars, leading to 484 redundancies. However, some venues, including those in Aberdeen Castlegate and Inverurie, have since reopened.
The company has also seen the departure of its co-founders. James Watt stepped down as CEO in 2024 and formally resigned as a director on March 24, 2026, in the wake of the administration. Martin Dickie, the other co-founder, had previously resigned as a director in August 2025, citing “personal reasons” for his exit from the business and the wider alcohol industry.
Following his departure from BrewDog, James Watt announced plans in May 2026 to launch a new beer venture named “Second Best.” He intends to allocate a 19.3% stake in this new company to former “Equity for Punks” investors without charge. Watt has expressed his hope that Second Best will be “more authentic” than his previous endeavour and plans to establish two pubs under the new brand.
