Tributes paid to brewery's first female director

Dr Karen Hester has died following a "very brave" battle with illness, Adnams has confirmed

A former brewery boss who first joined the company as a part-time cleaner before working her way up to become its first female executive director has died.

Dr Karen Hester joined Adnams, which is based in Southwold, Suffolk, in 1988 before retiring in April 2024 after spending 36 years working at the firm.

During that time she worked in procurement, logistics and customer services, before becoming operations director and then executive director.

The company said that following a "brave and determined battle" with illness Dr Hester died on 4 January aged 62.

Ms Hester worked at Adnams brewery for 36 years after joining as a cleaner in 1988

Dr Andy Wood, the former chief executive of Adnams, said: "I worked closely with Karen for most of her incredible journey at Adnams.

"Throughout, she was a wonderful colleague and a source of inspiration every day.

"Her wise counsel, compassionate leadership, sense of humour and approach that always saw her put other's needs before her own set her apart in the world.

"Mama H, we will miss you."

'Friend to many'

Dr Hester was named East of England Businesswoman of the Year in 2008 and in 2013 she was presented with the CBI First Woman in Business Award.

Two years later Dr Hester, who also volunteered as a magistrate and a charity chairman, was awarded with an honorary doctorate from the University of Suffolk.

In a statement, her former colleagues said: "Karen's warmth, wisdom and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on us all.

"She was not just a colleague, but a mentor and a friend to many. Her spirit will always be with us at Adnams.

"We will miss her dearly and cherish the memories and lessons she has left with us."