The current CFO of UK-based BrewDog has been promoted to lead the company, less than a year after his predecessor was appointed.
James Taylor (below) takes on the role with immediate effect, the brewer & on-premise operator said today (10 March), 16 months after joining the group as its finance lead. The appointment brings to an end the tenure of James Arrow, who replaced co-founder James Watt at the helm in May last year.
Arrow is stepping down for personal reasons, according to the company, which thanked him for “overseeing the restructuring of the US business, strengthening the company’s operational framework and driving its on-trade presence”.
Also highlighted in today’s statement was the appointment of current CMO Lauren Carrol to fill Taylor’s place as COO. Carroll has been with the company since 2019, moving up to head the marketing side at the end of 2022.
“James Taylor has been an instrumental leader at BrewDog, steering the financial strategy and laying a strong foundation for profitable growth,” said BrewDog chair Allan Leighton. “His deep understanding of our business … makes him the ideal choice to guide BrewDog into its next chapter.
“I would also like to congratulate Lauren for her promotion, testament to her … proven track record during her time at BrewDog. Finally, I would like to thank James Arrow for his contribution to BrewDog since he arrived in 2023 and wish him every success in the future.”



