Heron & Brearley is advertising for a new brewery manager.

The moves comes following the resignation of former head brewer Dr Mike Cowbourne, after almost 40 years in charge of the Okell’s brand.

Three other brewing staff including the brewery manager also resigned.

Dr Cowbourne is blaming a management shake-up for his decision to resign.

Heron and Brearley said it is ’embarking on an exciting new phase’ in the long history of Okell’s, under new head brewer, Kevin Holmes.

It said it is looking for a new brewery manager who can ’help steer Okell’s into the future’.

In an interview on Manx Radio, Dr Cowbourne said: ’It’s a great shame it should end this way and I feel very sad and sorry about it.

’But I felt I had no other option.

’There were three other people who decided to resign.

’You would have to ask them the reasons why they resigned but it’s a shock for the company I would think.’

Dr Cowbourne said he now plans to spend his retirement brewing beer at home.

Closing date for applications for the post of brewery manager close on October 19.

Visit www.hb.im for full details.