A war of words has broken out between BrewDog’s new owner and its controversial co-founder, as the company attempts to rebuild following its collapse and rescue.
Irwin Simon, chief executive of Tilray Brands, which acquired BrewDog in a £33million deal, said the business must move beyond James Watt’s legacy to recover.
Watt, who co-founded the brewer in 2007 and led its rapid rise, stepped down as chief executive two years ago amid allegations of a “toxic” workplace culture.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Simon said Watt’s reputation remains a barrier to rebuilding the brand.
“We don’t need James Watt, because if James Watt were ever to come back here – and I’m being very clear, he’s not – what happens is this becomes about James Watt’s second and third act.”
He added: “It’s a stigma that’s attached to it but it’s a stigma we have to overcome.”
The intervention comes as Simon looks to revive a brand he admits is “not as cool as it used to be”, after a turbulent period that saw BrewDog fall into administration.
However, Watt has hit back, criticising the handling of BrewDog’s community shareholders following the takeover.
In a statement, he said: “I am really disappointed that did not happen, and consequently our Equity Punks were left with nothing.”
He added: “That is something I would never have done.”
Watt also set out conditions for any future revival of the brand, saying: “For me, there is no BrewDog fightback without taking the community with us, without ensuring all team shares are honoured and without reinstating the real living wage.”