Co-founder Martin Dickie has stepped away from BrewDog and the wider alcohol industry for personal reasons after more than 18 years, while keeping his shareholding. The Ellon-based brewer was founded in 2007 with James Watt; both founders are now out of day-to-day management, with James Taylor serving as CEO. According to BBC, the company said Dickie’s decision does not alter its leadership structure.
Taylor praised Dickie’s contribution as “immeasurable,” crediting his role in transforming a local start-up into a global craft-beer player. In earlier years Dickie focused on brewing operations while Watt oversaw sales and marketing; more recently Dickie helped drive the spirits and cocktail push through BrewDog Distilling Co..
BrewDog continues to face headwinds. Last month it announced the closure of 10 UK bars, including its flagship Aberdeen site, citing rising costs, regulation and broader economic pressures (inside.beer, 22.7.2025). Dickie, meanwhile, is concentrating on a new venture in medical cannabis with Waterside Pharmaceuticals in Aberdeenshire; his aim is to supply safe and cost-effective medicines in a growing UK market (inside.beer, 12.7.2025). Both Dickie and Watt retain their shares in BrewDog.
