New Chairman for Brains

From Brew Wales

Pictured Above: A nervous Keith Jenkins (bar manager) looks on as John Rhys is about to pour a pint of Brains at the Great Welsh Beer & Cider Festival

John Rhys, a direct descendent of Samuel Arthur Brain, has taken over the pumps at SA Brain, the largest cask ale producer in Wales. John has replaced Christopher Brain, who retires after 20 years in the role and more than 50 years with the company.

In recent years, the Chairmanship has been handed down through the generations and both men followed in their father’s footsteps. M.B. Brain (father of Christopher) was in the chair from 1955 to 1971 and Bill Rhys (John’s father) from 1971 to 1989.

John has been Non-Executive Director at Brains since 1998 and in that time he has been closely involved in shaping Brains’ brand development and marketing strategy. This has included the award-winning ‘positive thinking’ campaign and the marketing of Brains’ high profile sponsorship of the Welsh Rugby Union.

After a 20-year career in London marketing agencies, John co-founded branding consultancy Heavenly Group in 2002. Heavenly’s clients include various departments of the Welsh Assembly Government, including Visit Wales and International Business Wales, Glyndŵr University, Sony, Sky TV and Vodafone. John will continue to play a reduced role at Heavenly, alongside his responsibilities as Chairman of S.A. Brain.

John said: "it is a great honour to take over the Chairmanship from Christopher Brain and follow in the footsteps of my father and great great grandfather. I have been closely involved with Brains’ business for over 10 years now and I am very much looking forward to playing an increased role in the company’s exciting future as a family-owned, independent brewer and pub operator."