YORKSHIRE’S Ossett Brewery has appointed Alex Minett as its managing director.

Mr Minett was on-trade sales director at Red Bull and was responsible for delivering the strategic direction of their UK on-trade business and guided Red Bull to be the No 1 on-trade packaged soft drink and energy drink brand.

At Ossett he will be tasked with accelerating growth following a £1.7m investment in brewing capacity, warehouse facilities and equipment, building works and new packaging resources.

He said: “I am really looking forward to playing my part in taking Ossett forward at this very exciting time. The brewing and pub industry is experiencing a very vibrant period, with many new challenges and opportunities. Ossett has a reputation for having amazing people and for producing excellent beers and I look forward to harnessing both to help deliver a successful future for the brewery and the brands.”

Ossett has invested more than £3m in the last two years in the existing Ossett Brewery site and its new brewery, Salt Beer Factory, in Saltaire.

Ossett owner Jamie Lawson said: “As we complete our very substantial investments in the brewery we are delighted to welcome Alex to the team. These are very exciting and challenging times in the fiercely competitive brewing and pub industry. We are now set to build on our roots as a high quality cask ale brewer and further grow business for our brands across cask, keg and packaged categories. Alex brings his wealth of experience at Red Bull to play a lead role in that growth.”