Bath Ales Appoints New MD as Future Plans Take Shape
Robin Couling, New Managing Director at Bath Ales
Independent brewer Bath Ales have appointed Robin Couling as managing director with immediate effect.
The move is part of a strategic shift in management responsibilities which sees current managing director Roger Jones transfer into the new role of executive chairman to oversee running of the business and the board.
Robin has been promoted from within Bath Ales where he has worked since 2008 as retail director. As well as taking on the role of managing director, Robin will remain actively involved in the direction and strategy of the retail division, supported by retail area manager Phil Brown and the senior retail team.
Since he joined the business, Robin has transformed the small Bath Ales pub estate with the innovative restaurant concept, Graze, and craft beer bar, Beerd, earning the brewer a well-deserved reputation as a great pub operator.
Robin commented: “Bath Ales is now in a very strong position both as a highly reputable brewer and excellent pub operator thanks in no small part to the fantastic dedication of our team and the high quality of our offering.
“In my new role as managing director I will be looking to continue the path Roger has set. Interest in beer is returning and that creates opportunities. Following commitment to a huge amount of development and improvement across the business, particularly in our retail division, I have a great platform from which to drive further growth.
With the combined expertise of Robin and Roger leading the business, there’s little doubt that next year is going to be a big one for Bath Ales.
Roger Jones, one of the original founders, said: “In the last year alone we grew the business by around 25%, which was driven by our retail success as well as strong beer sales. We’re making this shift to meet the demands of the business and strengthen the team at the top.
“Robin has done a fantastic job for Bath Ales over the past five years in the retail division and I have every confidence that he’s up to the challenge of leading the business and inspiring the staff. We have a great team at Bath Ales and we are very excited about what we can achieve.”
