Buxton Brewery has appointed Ben Cook as its new commercial director with the business working towards its £10 million turnover target by 2028.

Cook, who joins from Tiny Rebel, also takes a seat on the board at Buxton and brings extensive drinks industry experience to the brewery.

At Tiny Rebel he led sales strategy and helped develop the team, strengthen the brewer’s core brand and position the business for growth.

And prior to that he spent more than a decade at Molson Coors in a range of commercial roles, from wholesale to managing major customer accounts and negotiating contracts. At Buxton Brewery, Cook will lead the commercial strategy across the brewery and its venues.

His priorities include strengthening the core beer range, making Buxton beers more widely available to customers, and building a brand that reflects the brewery’s roots in the Peak District.

Commenting on the appointment, Buxton Brewery Chairman Lee McCarren said: “Ben brings a valuable combination of experience from a major drinks business and one of the UK’s best-known independent craft breweries.

“He understands how to build a strong commercial team, develop customer relationships and grow a brand while staying true to what makes it distinctive.

“We have ambitious plans for Buxton Brewery. Ben’s appointment strengthens the Board as we build on the growth achieved so far and create a sustainable business for the future.”

Cook added: “Buxton Brewery has a long-standing reputation for making exceptional beer, and there is a huge opportunity to bring it to more people. What attracted me was the ambition to grow both the brewery and its venues while building on its connection to the Peak District.

“I grew up on the edge of the Peaks and spent a lot of time here with my family, so that connection is personal to me. I want Buxton Brewery to be a brand that people associate with this place and can enjoy wherever they are.”

Cook joins chief financial officer Matthew Peck, who was appointed in June, as Buxton Brewery continues to invest in its leadership team and grow the business.

Sales have more than doubled since its acquisition in May 2024, and the brewery is working towards £10 million turnover by 2028.

Its priorities include growing direct wholesale sales, securing further grocery listings and developing online sales. The business is also exploring opportunities to bring its pub and restaurant concepts to additional locations across the Peak District and surrounding areas.