OUR TEAM
Meet the Gloucester Brewery team
Welcome to the Gloucester Brewery Team! Behind every successful brew and every satisfied customer stands a dedicated team of passionate individuals. Each member brings their unique skills, expertise, and enthusiasm to the table, contributing to the vibrant tapestry that makes Gloucester Brewery thrive.
At Gloucester Brewery, we firmly believe that every team member plays a crucial role in our success. From our talented brewers who craft our award-winning beverages to our friendly taproom staff who create memorable experiences for our guests, each person’s contribution is invaluable.
Our team is a tight-knit family united by our shared love for brewing exceptional drinks and serving our community. Together, we embody the spirit of teamwork, collaboration, and innovation that defines Gloucester Brewery.
As you get to know the faces behind our brewery, you’ll discover the passion, dedication, and expertise that drive us forward every day. We invite you to meet our team and learn more about the individuals who make Gloucester Brewery a truly special place.
Naomi Smith
Finance Director
Naomi joined the team in August 2023 to take the reigns of the finance department as the business continues to evolve.
Her expertise in financial planning will enable Gloucester Brewery to continue to grow organically and remain an independent award-winning brewery.
Favoured Drink: Fox’s Kiln Elderflower & Lemon Balm Gin
Pietro Lovato
Head Brewer
I come from northern Italy from Vicenza which is a wide wine area, but I learned very quickly I loved beer more than wine and I found the brewing process is fascinating.
I worked in a local brewery an an apprentice and I came to England almost two years ago to be a head brewer somewhere else before joining Gloucester Brewery in the autumn of 2019. The thing I like most here is that every day is different, and I love their passion for the beer and modern brewery techniques.
I can’t wait to experiment with new styles bringing out a wider range of the beers in the future.
Favoured Beer: Sting Apricot 3.1%
Fionnbhar Price
Brewer
Fionnbhar has recently joined us from St Austell Brewery, bringing a great passion for brewing. He has quickly adapted to all aspects of our operations here at Gloucester Brewery.
Favoured Beer: Dockside Dark
Kristian Williams
Brewer
Kris is the quietest of our three brewers, and brings a serene focus to the art of brewing at Gloucester Brewery. Despite his tranquil demeanor, he has a penchant for the loudest music, which fills the brewery as he and his fellow brewers go about their tasks. Kris’s dedication to his craft is matched only by her love for rhythm and melody, infusing our brewery with a harmonious ambience….mainly of rather heavy metal music!
Favoured Beer: Winter solstice
Jan van der Elsen
Interim Managing Director
Growing up in the Southern parts of The Netherlands, I was introduced to the craft beers of Belgium, mostly brewed by monks. After working in the corporate oil and gas world for many years, I started my own business in the Gloucester Docks. Having worked with the brewery for many years I’m privileged to take the Managing Director role on an interim basis from September 2024.
Favoured Drink : Gloucester Gold
Luke McDonagh
Sales and Marketing Manager
Luke joined in the first part of 2024, as Sales and Marketing Manager, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to Gloucester Brewery. Hailing from Prescott Brewery, Luke seamlessly transitioned into his role, where he orchestrates our brewery’s sales and marketing endeavours with finesse and flair. A keen footballer at heart, Luke’s competitive spirit and teamwork mentality inspire our brewery team to strive for greatness.
Nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds, Luke calls this stunning landscape home, drawing inspiration from its natural beauty and tranquillity. With roots deeply entrenched in the hospitality sector, Luke’s upbringing saw him living and working in pubs from an early age, instilling in him a profound understanding of the industry and a dedication to customer satisfaction.
Favoured Drink :
Luke’s favoured beer is the NEIPA (New England IPA), a fruity, well-bodied brew that tantalizes the taste buds with its vibrant flavours and smooth texture. This choice reflects Luke’s appreciation for innovation and quality, making it a perfect match for his discerning palate.
Oliver Monks
Bar Manager
Oliver has recently joined our management team. With previous experience running his own distribution and events companies, as well as involvement with Guilt Trip, he brings a unique entrepreneurial spirit. Oliver’s exceptional work ethic and calming presence ensure smooth operations at Warehouse 4.
Favoured Beer: Session IPA
Dean Webb
Ability, Accessibility and Inclusion Ambasador
Dean serves as the Ability, Accessibility, and Inclusion Ambassador at Gloucester Brewery, where he holds an honorary role. Having overcome two strokes, Dean is easily recognisable in his power chair, embodying resilience and determination. He works tirelessly to support the brewery in developing an environment that overcomes the challenges of its heritage buildings to ensure accessibility for everyone. His dedication to fostering a welcoming atmosphere aligns perfectly with Gloucester Brewery’s commitment to diversity and community engagement.
Favoured Drink: Craft Tank Lager
Russell Haines
Artist in Residence
Russell is an artist from Gloucester who took up painting while recovering from a stroke.
Russell often describes how he could never have imagined calling himself an artist. He had never painted before but realised he had talent after he began creating artwork as part of art therapy after his stroke.
Russell’s artwork is expressive, vividly coloured, emotive, expressionist style and captures the inner essence of the people he paints.
Since becoming an artist he has had exhibitions at The Tower Of London, Gloucester Cathedral as well as many other art exhibitions. We are delighted to be able to showcase his work in Warehouse 4.
Favoured Drink:
Despite his artistic flair, Russell prefers the more modest Cascade Bitter, although like Russel it is an award-winning beer with a depth of flavour that often surprises.