Brewdog boss James Watt has set out plans to give away nearly a fifth of his equity stake to the firm's staff. Mr Watt owns a quarter of the fast-growing Aberdeenshire-based beer maker. Brewery and pub workers have criticised him over his behaviour and pressure on them to grow the firm rapidly. At least partly in response, Mr Watt has set out an incentive plan which also means half of its pub profits will go to those who work on hourly rates in its 111 bars worldwide. Based on last year's figures, that could mean an annual bonus of between £3,000 and £5,000 each, in cash payouts made twice a year. The chief executive claimed the giveaway of shares could be worth £120,000 for each Brewdog salaried staffer, comprising four annual tranches starting this June. James Watt currently holds 24.2% of the company, and the plan unveiled on Monday - to mark 15 years since it started brewing - is for him to give away 5% to an Employee Benefit Trust, reducing his stake to 19.2%. He said Brewdog wanted to be a "new type of business", and that shared ownership would help with recruitment, retention and team engagement. "We want our team members to act as business owners and incentivise them as if they are business owners," he added.
