A HISTORIC Keighley brewery has announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer.

Andrew Carter will take over at the helm of Timothy Taylor's in March next year.

He succeeds Tim Dewey, who is retiring after a decade in the role.

Mr Carter has held a number of senior positions in the drinks industry, working on brands including Bacardi, Strongbow and San Miguel.

He's currently chief executive officer of Chapel Down, a leading English winemaker.

Mr Carter says he's "delighted" to be joining Taylor's, which late last year received planning permission for a major expansion of its Knowle Spring Brewery.

He adds: "Since 1858, Taylor’s has been producing outstanding quality cask ales.

"I am delighted to be joining the family-owned business at an exciting stage in its history.

"And I'm looking forward to tackling sector challenges and building the position of Timothy Taylor’s as the number one cask ale brand in the UK.

"Tim has done an excellent job, supported by a strong leadership team and board. It's going to be great to work with the team to create the next chapter in the successful development of the company."

Timothy Taylor's chair, Tim Clarke, welcomes the appointment – and pays tribute to Mr Dewey.

He says: "The board is extremely grateful to Tim for all that he's achieved over the past decade, in developing the business through a sustained focus on sales and marketing as well as investment in brewing quality – including the current £9m capital programme at Knowle Spring Brewery.

"In that time our leading brand, Landlord, has grown from number eight in the cask ale market to recently achieving the number one position by value in the category.

"We're delighted that Tim will be succeeded by Andrew Carter, who also has an extensive and proven record in the development of premium drinks brands."

Mr Dewey says: "It's been an absolute pleasure to be a custodian of this historic business for 10 years.

"I’m exceptionally proud of the Taylor’s team and the way in which it has grown Landlord to the number one cask ale position in the UK through a ‘no compromise’ attitude and a strong focus on quality and customer service – and all of this despite many challenges faced, not least the Covid pandemic."