Jamie Cook, chair of the Independent Brewers Association (IBA), has announced he is to step down as head of the organisation.

Taking his place will be Wayward Brewing Co’s Pete Philip, according to an email sent to members today.

As part of his retirement plans, Cook has already stepped down as CEO of Fermentum, the parent company of Stone & Wood, and he plans to spend much of 2020 overseas.

“With this in mind, I believe it is in the best interests of the IBA for me to step down as chair to ensure that the team and the board are fully supported as we undertake another massive year of resource development, advocacy and event management,” he said.

Pete Philip has a number of years on the IBA board under his belt. He was unanimously voted in by the board, to “see out the position for the last year of his tenure on the IBA Board, effective immediately”.

Ballistic’s Dave Kitchen will now lead the Advocacy Project Group which he has been a member of for the last year, which was formerly led by Philip.

Jamie Cook spoke positively of his time at the head of the growing organisation.

“I have enjoyed my time in the role as IBA chair and whilst it may have been a little more work than I signed up for, I have enjoyed building a strong executive team, merging GBW with the IBA, and establishing a strong set of Project Groups to bring volunteer expertise to the forefront of developing the industry.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity I have had to give back to an industry that has helped me develop and grow personally over many years and has also provided me with such amazing business opportunities and friendships along the way.”

Hear more about beer industry veteran Jamie Cook and his career on the Beer is a Conversation podcast.