Sinclair Breweries bolsters team with new appointment
THE firm behind Orkney Brewery has bolstered its team as it looks to grow its share of the craft beer market at home and abroad.
Craig Steven, former beers manager at Caledonian Brewery in Edinburgh, has been appointed commercial manager of Sinclair Breweries, whose beers include Orkney’s Dark Island, Red MacGregor and Northern Light as well as the Atlas range of beers.
Steven, who lays claim to having been Scotland’s first qualified beer sommelier, has an extensive track record in the brewing industry, with experience in innovation, operations, customer service and internal sales at Heineken-owned Caledonian as well as hosting beer tastings around the world.
He said his move to Sinclair Breweries, whose Orkney Brewery picked up ten accolades at the 2017 SIBA Scotland Independent Beer Awards, comes at an exciting time for the company.
“With Sinclair Breweries, I have an opportunity to help a respected brewer with growing sales, while assisting in beer and brand development across the Orkney and Atlas ranges,” said Steven. “When I met Norman [Sinclair, MD] he told me some of his plans and asked me for my input. It brought me right back to the start of the amazing journey I have had over my career in the brewing industry.
“How lucky am I that I get the opportunity to do it all again?”
Sinclair Breweries managing director Norman Sinclair said: “Craig’s appointment as commercial manager represents a major step in the development of our company and comes at a time when we are looking to greatly increase our share of the market.
“Craig is very well known and respected within the brewing industry and brings a wealth of experience to the table. His commercial knowledge is second to none but, fundamentally, he’s also incredibly passionate about beer – something reflected in his status as an expert sommelier.
“With his input, we’re confident we can take Sinclair Breweries to new heights, while maintaining all the unique qualities that have brought us so much success to date.”
