Why did James Watt step down as Brew Dogg boss? Reason for beer company resignation revealed
Date: 2024-10-29JAMES Watt is best known for being the multi-millionaire CEO of BrewDog, but in May 2024 he announced he was stepping down.
Georgia Toffolo revealed she was engaged to the millionaire in October of the same year — here’s everything you need to know about why James called it a day at the company he started.
He blamed extreme weather conditions and also hit out at those who criticised the project, which was handed almost £700,000 of public cash.
Announcement
James made the announcement he was stepping down on LinkedIn.
He wrote: “After 17 fantastic years as chief executive, I have decided to transition into a new role in the business, one of ‘captain and co-founder’ — and James Arrow will pick up the reins as chief executive as our business pushes forward into our next phase of growth.
“In my new role I will remain as a board member, a director and I will also be part time strategic adviser to the business and our to leadership team.”
James set up the Aberdeenshire firm in 2007 alongside co-founder Martin Dickie, meaning he was CEO of the company for 17 years.
James Watt’s fiancée Georgia Toffolo
James and Georgia Toffolo have been together since the summer of 2023, when the BrewDog founder went on a blind date with the 2017 I’m a Celeb winner last summer.
It was supposedly the idea of a mutual friend who thought the pair would hit it off.
They went public with their romance in November 2023, sharing photos from a romantic holiday in the Maldives.
Their relationship progressed quickly, with the couple moving in together in February 2024.
The Made In Chelsea star took to Instagram to reflect on the time spent living in her previous property.
Georgia said: “Saying goodbye to my apartment this morning was way more emotional than I thought.
“It was a super important chapter in my life and a very happy one.
“I remember being so scared when I first moved in (not that I would EVER admit that at the time to anyone).
“Scared of living alone, in a new part of London and what the future might hold.
“How silly of me to worry. It was the best decision I’ve ever made (easy to say that with hindsight isn’t it?!)
“Closing the door and leaving the keys was a weird mixture of lots of feelings. I’d be sad if I wasn’t so excited for my new chapter.
“I fell down a nostalgic hole in my camera roll so here are my favourite snaps of a special and happy time.”
James and the reality star announced the news they were moving in together on social media.
Georgia wrote: “Happiest when with YOU…which is encouraging as @brewdogjames just asked me to move in!
“We basically live together anyway but I’m excited to make it official.
“Some of the outfits I’ve worn in between our houses in London have been nothing short of extraordinary. Last week I wore cowboy boots with my PJ’s and a flat cap to hide the shame.
“Can’t wait to tell Montdog the good news — my days of being the bag lady are officially OVER! So excited to make our home together. Best end to our holiday.”
Proposal
James proposed to Georgia on October 26, 2024, during a holiday to Greece.
The reality TV star shared the news on Instagram and posted some snaps of the happy moment, along with the words: “James asked me to marry him.
“It really was the best moment of my life so far.
“I never knew I could feel happiness like this.
“The easiest, quickest yes to being your wife @brewdogjames.
“Our love story is my favourite. How we managed to find each other out of billions of people out there will always be my greatest blessing.
“I love you forever and the magical life we’re building.”
Previous relationships
Prior to his relationship with Georgia, James was previously married to Scottish illustrator Johanna Basford, with whom he shares two daughters.
Georgia was previously engaged to George Cottrell, a senior advisor to Nigel Farage and convicted fraudster, before her relationship with James.
James and Georgia’s engagement comes after a challenging year for the former BrewDog CEO, who lost his father to pancreatic cancer at the age of 69 in August.
Georgia has been a source of support for James during this difficult time, with him expressing gratitude for her presence in his life.
He wrote on Instagram: “Georgia — I am so grateful that we managed to find each other and even more grateful to be building our lives together.”
