The managing director of Gloucester Brewery, Geoff Smith, has called time on his tenure.

Geoff, who has been at the helm of the brewery, based at Gloucester Docks, for about 18 months and is credited with turning around the business, is leaving his role on Friday, September 6, to pursue a new challenge.

Geoff said: "As I call last orders on my time as managing director of Gloucester Brewery Ltd, I'm filled with pride and gratitude for what we've achieved together. Reflecting on where the brewery was when I first joined, it's incredible to see the transformation we've accomplished over the past 18 months.

"We've navigated through significant challenges driven by COVID and the cost-of-living crisis, which have led to the closure of many breweries and pubs throughout the UK. These challenges placed severe financial strains on the business, but I'm proud to say we've emerged stronger than ever.

"Our balance sheet has improved by approximately £750,000, the business is consistently profitable, and we're selling record amounts of beer. We've also undertaken a wide-ranging digital transformation of our core systems, ensuring we're equipped for the future.

"We've expanded Warehouse 4, doubling its capacity, while our beers continue to gain regional and national recognition."

He added: "One of the outcomes I'm most proud of is our deepened engagement with the Gloucestershire community. Over the past 18 months, we've actively supported over 200 local charities and community groups, enabling an impressive £125,000 in fundraising efforts.

"We're actively engaged with the University of Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire College, and Hartpury University and Hartpury College, supporting the development of young people. This reflects not only our commitment to brewing quality products but also our dedication to making a positive impact in the Gloucestershire community. Seeing the brewery become a prominent part of the community has been incredibly rewarding, and I'm confident this legacy will continue to grow.

"While I'm stepping down from the managing director role, I remain a significant shareholder and will continue to support the business, albeit no longer in an executive capacity. We have restructured both the board and the management team, and both are extremely capable, along with our wider team, of continuing the brewery's journey on an upward trajectory. The future is bright, and I look forward to seeing Gloucester Brewery continue to thrive."

Lance Bradley, Gloucester Brewery chairman, said: "Geoff came in during an incredibly challenging period. Covid had finished but from a business point of view Gloucester Brewery and loads of other breweries were, and still are, recovering from the impact of Covid.

"It was a very difficult time to be running a brewery but Geoff came in and has done an outstanding job in turning it round from the kind of uncertainty that was in place to now in a position where it's making money, it's got proper processes and plans in place, Warehouse 4 has been developed and is an incredibly popular spot for people to come to.

"He should look back on his time with enormous pride because he's done a super job."

Gloucester Brewery's project manager Jan Van Der Elsen will take over as interim managing director while the brewery searches for a permanent replacement for Geoff.

Punchline-Gloucester.com editor Mark Owen said: "Congratulations Geoff - you have done an incredible job putting the brewery on the map and ensuring its financial future - most remarkable considering the challenges the hospitality and drinks industry continue to face."