Craft beer giant BrewDog is on the hunt for a new chief operating officer.
David McDowall is leaving the business after eight years to take over as chief executive of Stonegate Group, the pubs and bars giant behind the Slug & Lettuce chain.
Mr McDowall, who has worked for BrewDog in senior roles for the last eight years, will replace Simon Longbottom, Stonegate's long-serving boss.
BrewDog co-founder James Watt paid tribute to his departing colleague on LinkedIn.
"After 8 amazing years I am incredibly sad to announce that our COO & President David McDowall will be leaving BrewDog to take over as CEO of Stonegate early in 2023," he said.
"Whilst this is a phenomenal opportunity for David, I am very sad to see him go. David is hands down one of the very best business leader I have ever met and working closely with him day in day out for almost a decade has been a real privilege.
"I have personally learned so much from David and he has had such an amazingly positive impact on our company, on our growth and on our people.
"I have so many fond memories of working with David on some exciting projects and on leaning into some very tough challenges. We would often be locked in debate in my office for hours on end as we tried to plot the best course forward for the business.
"His input, challenges, provocations, and ideas were always nothing short of brilliant. I will deeply miss David as both someone that I have ran the business with for over nearly a decade and a great friend who I got to spend time with almost every day."
Mr Watt confirmed that a recruitment process is now underway.
He added: "Although it will not be a like for like replacement for David, we are currently recruiting for a new COO. The recruitment process for his replacement is very well advanced and we are fortunate enough to have some hugely capable candidates – again this is testament to the quality of our business, and the potential for continued future growth around the world."