Founder Petra Wetzel is stepping away from the day-to-day running of Glasgow-based brewing and hospitality company, WEST, and Matt Munro will move from sales director to managing director as of 1st September, with overall responsibility for the strategic, operational, sales and marketing functions of the business. Ashley Wilson, WEST’s finance director and Ally Clem, WEST’s operations and people director will continue to collaborate with Munro as the senior management team.
Said WEST Founder Petra Wetzel, “After 13 years at the helm of WEST I have made the decision to step away from the day to day running of the beerhall and brewery business to allow me to dedicate more time to projects both connected and unconnected to the core WEST business.
“I will retain my shareholding in the business and will continue to assist the team in an advisory capacity. I have long had an interest in angel investment, supporting women in business and ensuring younger people in Scotland reach their potential. This will provide the time to commit my energy to these causes close to my Gerwegian heart.”
“Matt has been an integral part of the senior management team at WEST for the past five years and brings over twenty years’ experience working in senior sales and commercial roles in the Scottish licensed trade at Wallaces Express and C&C Group. We share a passion and vision for the future of the WEST business and I can think of no better person to lead the business in the years ahead. The senior team have all worked together for many years and we are firm believers in nurturing talent from within our own organisation. I couldn’t be prouder of the team at WEST today.
“We are reaping the benefits of the changes Matt made to our commercial and route to market strategy when he joined us. Operating margin and draught beer volumes are delivering year on year growth and our retail volumes are now returning a double-digit increase. He is involved with everything through branding, ecommerce and even our hospitality and brewery team. The work he does to align a brand vision across all departments has created an air of excitement across our team.
“WEST, like many businesses in the hospitality industry, was badly affected by the lock-down restrictions over the last 15 months. However, its dedicated and entrepreneurial team has ensured the brewery and hospitality company quickly adapted to weekly changes in restrictions and, as a result, the business is in a strong financial and operational position.
Matt Munro said, “I am delighted to assume the leadership role of this wonderful business. Petra and the team have built an amazing brand and venue of which I have been part of for the last five years and I am looking forward to supporting and leading the team on its journey over the coming years. As an independently owned Scottish business, we are in the wonderful position of being in control our of our destiny and I look forward to seeing how far we can grow together.”