The Wimbledon Brewery, with its stated mission to be the premium English beer brand globally, is delighted to announce that it has appointed David Bateman, previously Chief Financial and Operating Officer of Paperchase, as its first Managing Director.
Bateman joined the stationery brand in 2000, when the company’s turnover was some £15m, and oversaw significant growth, with the business now trading over 200 sites internationally and a rapidly growing web business. He left in September 2017 with the retailers’ turnover some £150m, having helped lead the organisation through private equity ownership and its subsequent sale to Borders Group Inc in 2004, and a 2010 MBO, backed by Primary Capital, who remain the majority equity partner today.
Mark Gordon, Wimbledon Brewery Founder, said:
“David was absolutely instrumental in the growth and success of Paperchase. He was – and will be for our Brand – a tremendous business partner and his retailing insight and business acumen took Paperchase from being a small UK retailer to one with international pedigree and significant growth potential. I believe that his skills and experience can add huge value to the Wimbledon Group going forward.”
Bateman himself commented:
“I’m very excited to be joining the Wimbledon Group at this time. Mark and his team have done a fantastic job in establishing the Brand both locally and nationally and providing a platform for growth. I believe the Wimbledon Brewery Brand – with its current supply arrangements with numerous pub companies and large brewers, retailers such as M&S and Waitrose, and traction with a number of high-end establishments, is set up to exploit both the domestic and international market. Its recognition in the Country & Town House Great British Brands of 2018 alongside such a prestigious group of businesses is an honour the team should be very proud of.”
Bateman is making a personal financial investment in the Wimbledon Group which will assist in supporting its growth and helping to achieve its ambitions.
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Notes for Editors
- The Wimbledon Brewery produces balanced, English craft beers targeted at the discerning mass market. Its aim is to create the premium brand of English beer globally and is now ready, in terms of product range and format, to commence export.
- The original Wimbledon Brewery was started by William Cook in 1832 and taken over in 1880 by William Quartermaine. who built a 5 storey tower brewery, but a fire in 1889 destroyed all the brewing equipment and machinery. The logo today incorporates the image of the tower, the phoenix and barley and hops, representing the heritage and focus on using only the best ingredients. Staff are the custodians of the history and traditions of beer brewing whilst also inspiring the new generation of beer drinkers and brewers. The new Brewery, built in 2015, is on the site of Merton Priory which was brewing through the Middle Ages until its dissolution in 1538.
- The Wimbledon Group comprises the Brewery, Firebird Bars and Restaurants and Wimbledon Distillery.
To find out more please visit wimbledonbrewery.com