MEET THE TEAM
Mickey Davies
Chairman
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I started in October 2004 as a non executive Director, having been with J.T.Davies & Sons for my working life; running 20 Managed Pubs and 80 Wine Shops.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
New York, I have never been and I would love to experience it.
Who is your favourite sports team?
England Rugby Team ( They need the support……)
What is your favourite tipple?
Red Wine from Bordeaux – St Emilion preferably.
If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?
I would be able to speak every language in this world and beyond – talking with everybody in their own dialect. I would also have the power to make people get on – wars would never happen.
Tom Davies
Chief Executive
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I started at Brakspear in September 2007 before which I was at Fullers working as a Tenanted BDM.
What achievement are you most proud of?
I’m not sure it really counts as my achievement (more my wife Alexa’s!) but I am hugely proud we brought our baby daughters Bella, Daisy and Kitty into the world. I am thoroughly enjoying being a father.
Who is your hero? Why?
I think hero is pushing it (!) but my Father has been a great inspiration to me and he continues to be a good friend and mentor in his capacity as Chairman.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I suppose I am very lucky in that I have always wanted to work for the family business in some capacity. I am very proud to be the 5th generation of my family to run the business and hope to be able to pass it on in good condition to the 6th.
What is your favourite tipple?
Brakspear Gravity of course!
David Nathan
Chief Operating Officer
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I started at Brakspear in April 2010. I worked previously for an audit & accountancy firm, a retail plc, international glass business and, supply chain & wholesaling business.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Patagonia … a little bit different!
Who’s your favourite sports team?
Leeds United FC.
What is your favourite tipple?
It’s got to be Brakspear Bitter.
What achievement are you most proud of?
This year … Completing the Three Peaks Challenge with my finance family … when you ‘meet them’ you’ll see why!!
Tony Lewis
Property Director
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I have been at Brakspear since March 2011. I undertook my professional training at a firm of Chartered Surveyors in London called Drivers Jonas (Deloitte Real Estate).
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I would have a house in New Zealand for their summer and a house in Italy for our summer.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Antarctica. I have always dreamt of walking to the South Pole.
What skill would you like to learn and why?
I would love to learn to sail. It is on my bucket list to sail across the Atlantic.
What is your favourite dessert?
Apple crumble and lots of custard.
Gavin Mansfield
Business Development Manager
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I started with Brakspear in May 2017, and before that I was with McMullens for 6 years.
Where’s the best place you’ve ever been to and why?
Easily Cape Town. I’m from there and it’s simply the best city in the world.
What would be your first purchase if you won the lottery?
A holiday with the kids which didn’t involve me doing too much work!
What’s your favourite tipple?
Red wine….although I’m partial to some good ale on occasion.
Do you have a guilty pleasure?
I have many!
Gerard Winder
Business Development Manager
How long have you been at Brakspear?
I originally joined the business in December 2011 and left in December 2017 to work for another family brewer prior to returning in December 2019.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
San Francisco is a place I’ve always wanted to visit. I love the US but have never visited the West Coast and it looks awesome.
Who is your hero?
David Bowie. Perhaps the greatest ever singer/songwriter who never stood still and constantly reinvented himself.
What is your favourite tipple?
Don Papa Rum or a pint of Brakes.
If you could spend a day with any celebrity, who would it be?
I’d love to spend a day on tour with Bernard Sumner from New Order including a back stage view of them playing live!
Stuart Brown
Business Development Manager
What month and year did you start at Brakspear and where were you before?
I joined Brakpear in March 2020 having spent 12 years with Punch Pubs & Co and previously Mitchells & Butlers working with All Bar One, PCDG & others.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
I spent a summer in California in my youth and travelled to Mexico for a day, it’s a country I have always found intriguing and look forward to visiting and exploring properly to enjoy its vibrant culture, food and amazing scenery.
What skill would you like to learn and why?
Golf, So I could join in with industry golf days without embarrassment…
Whose your favourite sports team?
Rugby: Harlequins, Football: Crystal Palace – its ok to like both…
What is your favourite tipple?
Must admit I am a fan of a decent G&T, however, can’t beat a nice pint of cask ale.
Zoe Barrett
Talent and Marketing Manager
When did you join Brakspear, and where were you before?
I first joined Brakspear in 2023 for my University Placement Year, and after completing my degree at Cardiff University, I’ve returned in a new role.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a teacher- I used to enjoy helping teach little ones PE when I was in school.
Who is your hero and why?
My mum- cheesy but true! She is my biggest inspiration and support.
If you could spend a day with any celebrity, who would it be?
Harry Styles… I LOVE his music!!!
What is your favourite tipple?
An Aperol Spritz!
Simone Brown
Head of People
1) What month and year did you start at Brakspear and where were you before?
In May 2023, I was at Hyve Group before (events company) and before then I have worked in the US in HR and for Elizabeth Arden and IHG.
2) If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Currently anywhere with a white beach, cocktails and a children’s club for my toddler.
Whose your favourite sports team?
Manchester City, I was bought up supporting them and would regularly go to Maine
Road.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A travel writer so I could travel the world and get paid for it!
What skill would you like to learn and why?
Be able to speak multiple languages. I’m terrible at learning languages.
Ken Umasanthiram
Head of Food
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I joined Brakspear in June 2022. I had worked for Popeyes before.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Thailand, it’s my go to place for great food and culture and not forgetting the incredible beaches.
What is your favourite tipple?
An old fashioned but with rum.
What achievement are you most proud of?
being voted in to the top 5 Executive Chefs in the UK and being asked to sit on Popeyes global culinary team, and watching some of my former junior team grow into senior roles.
Marc Rawling
Operations Manager
How long have you been at Brakspear and what were you doing before?
I have been with Brakspear for 6 months and prior to that spent 19 years with Fullers as a GM and Operations Manager.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
It would have to be somewhere where I could ride my bike through some amazing countryside, so the Rockies would be a good start.
Who is your hero and why?
Nelson Mandela as he showed such unwavering resilience and transformed an entire nation.
What is your favourite tipple?
I am really passionate about wine and my favourite style and grape change with the seasons, and days of the week.
If you could spend a day with any celebrity, who would it be?
I’d love to get Arsene Wenger along to one of my children’s football training sessions.
Sophie Wilkinson
Operations Manager
When did you start at Brakspear and where were you before?
I started with Brakspear in May 2018, prior to this I worked within Casual Dining at Bella Italia for 3 years and Pubs at Mitchells and Butlers for 5 years, starting my hospitality career there on their Graduate programme.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?
A horse. I love animals and started riding last year.
What achievement are you most proud of?
Opening the Frogmill for Brakspear in 2018, I had never done a project of this scale before and the opportunity to work with a product that I loved was fantastic. It’s been great to see the business grow over the years and it still has so much potential.
What is your favourite dessert?
Chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream
What is your favourite tipple?
Espresso Martini – I love coffee so this is my perfect cocktail
Matthew Jaggar
Head of Marketing - Honeycomb Houses
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I joined Brakspear in November 2024 having previously worked in marketing roles with Punch Pubs and The Coaching Inn Group over the last 10 years.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Like most boys my ages, I always dreamed of being a professional footballer, but once the reality set in and I get hold of my first camera, I was obsessed with photography and growing up in the internet world led me to marketing, which is a dream job for me.
Who are your favourite sports team?
Huddersfield Town are my hometown team, and I’ve followed them for my entire life. I have seen the heady heights of the Premier League and the lowest lows of near extinction, but I’ll always bleed blue and white.
What is your tipple of choice?
Guinness 0.0 became my go to during my recent health kick but when I’m ‘out out’ you’ll often find me with an espresso martini or a whiskey old fashioned.
Juliana Ebaghelu
People Partner
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I joined in September and have been in various industries beforehand – most recently Healthcare.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
I would love to go a Caribbean country for the sun, sea, food and vibes.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was younger, I wanted to do so many different things. The overarching theme being working with people and making a positive impact.
What is your favourite tipple?
Tipple: Anything sweet!
Stephanie Dennett
Head of Interior Design
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I joined Brakspear in January 2012. I was at an interior design company in London before this working on residential projects across West London. I did my interior design training at KLC School of Design in Chelsea.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
I’d love to tour South East Asia. I’ve been to Thailand and absolutely loved it so one day I hope to spend a lot more time travelling round the neighbouring countries.
What skill would you like to learn and why?
I’d love to be able to sew well and I’d also love to learn floristry.
What’s your favourite tipple?
I do like a nice glass of rosé!
Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Made in Chelsea!
Yasmin Territt
Assistant Property Manager
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
December 2021. I was previously working in Finance for a Payment Services company, prior to that I was travelling South East Asia.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
South America! I would love to climb Machu Picchu and visit places like Rio,Brazil to experience the culture and food.
What skill would you like to learn and why?
I would love to learn how to bake! I enjoy cooking but baking any desserts or sweet treats is not my forte. My grandma makes the most amazing desserts – I would love to have this skill and not just eat them!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A figure skating coach.
What is your favourite tipple?
A New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
Laura Morgan
Interior Designer
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I started in January 2014, before Brakspear I was studying Interior design at Liverpool John Moore’s university.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
An archaeologist…random I know!! I just liked the idea of unearthing something really unusual that no one had seen before.
What is your favourite dessert?
Anything with chocolate in it!
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
In the summer months I’d love to live in French Polynesia in a overwater bungalow and for the winter I’d love to live in Canada.
If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?
I’d like to be able to fly, so I could easily get to and from French Polynesia and Canada.
Rosie Broughton
Interior Designer
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I first joined in November 2016 as an intern which then led to me staying till August 2020! After four years away working in high end residential design for Birdie Fortescue and founding Rosebud Interiors, I was then asked to rejoin the Brakspear team!
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
I would love to visit Banff, Yosemite National Park and Yellowstone to enjoy the scenery whilst hiking or ranching! If I went back packing Thailand and Sir Lanka are strongly on the list to explore cultural experiences and colours.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
It alternated between a detective, ski racer and architect!
What is your favourite tipple?
Amaretto Sour
Alex Covill
Property Administrator
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I joined Brakspear in Jan 2026. Before this I was working for an independent Cidery in Oxfordshire, running their sales and events, but I have done a range of things including working with a team renovating historic trains… (Random, I know)
Who is your hero?
My Hero would have to be my Father; I know that’s so classic, but he’s an inspiration to me.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a race car driver (still working on that one).
What skill would you like to learn and why?
I would like to learn how to fix my classic Land Rover so I can repair it when it breaks down which is a regular occurrence and save me some money!
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Gosh that is a hard one, the Alps in a lovely classic chalet for the winter and then the Hambleden Valley for the British summer, and if I’m pushing it Anglesey for a few weeks as well.
Tom Carter
Head of Finance
When did you join Brakspear and what did you do before?
I joined Brakspear in February 2025, having started my career in a local accounting practice and most recently having worked in Finance for Unipart Logistics in Oxford.
What’s your favourite sports team and why?
I’m a West Ham fan, for all the trophies they win…
What’s your favourite tipple?
I’ll never say no to a Long Island Iced Tea.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I’m a Henley local, always have been. Why would I go anywhere else?
If you could spend a day with a celebrity, who would it be, and why?
I’d love a day with Gordon Ramsey, for all the beautiful food we’d eat, and I’d hopefully learn some tips and tricks for my own cooking too.
Kelly Dorrell
IT & Credit Applications Manager
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
March 2011
What skill would you like to learn and why?
Read minds, because it would amuse me greatly and make me rich.
What the first think you would buy if you won the lottery?
An island in paradise
If you could spend a day with any celebrity, who would it be?
I’d like to spend a day with 3 celebrities, Jeremy Clarkson, Tom Hardy and Paul Weller.
What is your favourite tipple?
A good full bodied red wine.
Nathan Dow
Assistant Accountant
When did you join Brakspear?
I joined May 2021. I was a Team Leader at Morrisons after I left University.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Australia to watch the Ashes.
Whose your favourite sports team?
Colchester United
What is your favourite dessert?
Sticky toffee pudding
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?
A racehorse.
Rebecca Martins De Oliveira
Financial Accountant
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I joined Brakspear in January 2014 after moving from a finance role in Cheshire.
Who is your hero?
Jane Bartle-Wilson, former eventer and Olympic dressage rider, who I was lucky enough to work and train with for a short time in my teens.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A professional showjumper.
What skill would you like to learn and why?
To improve my speaking of Brazilian Portuguese so to better communicate with my husband’s huge family in Brazil and to keep up with my two young daughters who are starting to overtake my learning of the language!
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I absolutely love living in the Chilterns but next on the list would be on a beautiful farm in the state of São Paulo, Brazil
Caroline Dunkin
Accounts Payable Assistant
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I joined Brakspear in December 2024. Prior to joining Brakspear I worked at Our Lady of Peace Primary School in Burnham.
Where’s the best place you’ve ever been to and why?
Inishbofin, an island off of the West Coast of Ireland – its remote, quiet and has a good pub!
What would be your first purchase if you won the lottery?
A Hallberg Rassy Sailing Boat.
What’s your favourite tipple?
A pint of Guinness!
Tammy Chapman
Accounts Payable Assistant
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I joined Brakspear on 2 June 2025. Prior to joining Brakspear I worked at Bufab UK in High Wycombe.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a junior school teacher or a travel agent. I had a work experience day at a school and decided that that was definitely not for me! I completed aTravel and Tourism Diploma after leaving school.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Cuba is at the top of my bucket list at the moment, as I’m keen on visiting places with history and culture and of course beautiful beaches.
What’s your favourite tipple?
Hmmm, I don’t have just 1 favourite, but if I have to be specific, Aperol Spritz or good old G&T.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Sundowners on a beautiful beach.
Tom Hancock
Trainee Accountant
When did you join Brakspear and what were you doing previously?
I joined Brakspear in September 2024. Prior to joining Brakspear I was studying Business Management at the University of Bristol.
What is your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is a lunch time Chip Butty
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I would love to go to Peru to see Machu Picchu and the Amazon.
What are your hobbies?
In my spare time I enjoy playing golf and watching the mighty Chelsea.
Lee Alexander
Finance Analyst
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I joined in August 2023 and was previously in a Finance/Operations role at a Health Data and Clinical Trials company
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A pilot
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Japan – I love the culture and history. The rugby has been pretty awesome in recent years as well
What’s your favourite tipple?
A nice lager in a beer garden in summer
What’s your favourite dessert?
Apple crumble
Mark Hopes
Payroll and HR Officer
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I started with Brakspear in September 2021 and was previously employed by Sally Salon Services for 15 years.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Around the age of 10, I wanted to be a policeman, but thought I would be too short.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
I have always wanted to travel to Tokyo, to experience the culture and see Mount Fuji.
What’s your favourite tipple?
Jack Daniels & Coke, or a spiced rum.
What’s your favourite dessert?
Chocolate fudge cake with clotted cream
Charlotte Swinstead
Office Co-ordinator
When did you join Brakspear and where were you before?
I joined Brakspear in October 2024. Prior to joining Brakspear I worked in a Mental Health Hospital as HR Admin.
What’s the best place you’ve ever been to and why?
Wales! I went on the Forest Coaster! It was brilliant!
What would be your first purchase if you won the lottery?
A chef to cook for me every day!
What’s your favourite tipple?
Malibu & Coke!