Dave Bateman

London craft beer producer Wimbledon Brewery has signed up ex-Paperchase CFO & COO David Bateman as its first managing director.

Bateman, who departed the stationery retailer in September 2017 after 17 years of service, said Wimbledon Brewery was “set up to exploit both the domestic and international market”.”

The business’s founder Mark Gordon and his team had “done a fantastic job in establishing the brand both locally and nationally and providing a platform for growth” Bateman added. He had made a personal investment in the brewery to “assist in supporting its growth and helping to achieve its ambitions”.

Wimbledon’s beers include Common Pale Ale, Tower Special Pale Ale and Quartermaine IPA. It is listed in M&S and Waitrose, and stocked by several pub groups.

Bateman would be “a tremendous business partner” for the brand, said Gordon. “His retailing insight and business acumen took Paperchase from being a small UK retailer to one with international pedigree and significant growth potential.”