The long-time chairman of Adnams has stepped down with immediate effect due to health reasons.

Jonathan Adnams - who held the post for 18 years - had told shareholders of the Southwold beer, spirits and hospitality group that he was considering retiring before the company's 2025 annual general meeting when they met this year.

The Adnams board has unanimously agreed Simon Townsend  will step in on an interim basis as non-executive chairman. 

He is a non-executive director of the company and chairman of the remuneration committee. 

Mr Adnams began his career in brewery engineering at the company in 1975 and joined the board in 1988.

He was appointed managing director in 1997 and chairman in 2006.

Adnams said he "has been instrumental in driving the company forward in terms of innovation and sustainability, including its investment in energy-efficient brewing equipment and its world-class distillery".

He  was awarded an OBE in 2008 for his commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Mr Townsend joined the Adnams board in January 2023. He is also chairman of Wadworth & Co, a non-executive director of JW Lees & Co, a non-executive director of Cote Restaurants and a senior adviser at global consultancy Teneo.

He is also a member of the advisory board of diversity and inclusion organisation WiHTL. Previously, he has served as a non-executive director of FTSE-listed housebuilder Countryside Properties plc.

The company said the 67-year-old - whose family remains a significant shareholder - would continue to support the company until next year’s AGM. 

“I’m saddened to be stepping down from the board earlier than planned but will of course continue to champion the business from the sidelines," he said.

“Adnams has always been a lot more than just a name to me. The success of the company has been one of the biggest priorities in my life for almost half a century and I’m immensely proud of its achievements.

"I’m also reassured that the principles on which we built the business – integrity, charity, innovation – are as present today as they ever were. That, as ever, is testament to its people.    

“I am very pleased to see Simon step into the role of chairman of the board on an interim basis.

"He has the expertise and experience to guide Adnams through its current transition and help secure a long-term financial solution to underpin its growth ambitions.”

Mr Townsend said: “The Adnams family, business and community owes a debt of gratitude to Jonathan for the contribution he’s made over a 50-year career.

"His personal commitment to innovation – in our products through to our brewing and distilling capabilities – has been instrumental in building the foundations we continue to benefit from today.

"Not only that, but – as a leader - he has embodied the principles and values to such an extent that they flow through every aspect of our business today.

“I’m excited about the opportunities we now face and remain fully committed to securing the long-term financial solution we need to support our growth.”

The company has faced losses in recent times but made a "positive" start to 2024. It has said it has been looking for more finance from the City to support growth plans.

Jenny Hanlon took over as chief executive from Andy Wood at the AGM this year but the company did face an unsuccessful shareholder revolt at the meeting in June over its financial performance.