BrewDog Founder James Watt Faces Data Complaints Over Share Buy-Back Endeavour
James Watt, co-founder of the Aberdeenshire-based craft brewer BrewDog, has become the subject of multiple complaints submitted to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). The regulatory body confirmed it is assessing the concerns, which allege that Mr. Watt contravened data protection regulations by directly contacting former shareholders.
ICO Review Underway Following Shareholder Outreach
The complaints assert that Mr. Watt used private data to contact individuals who had previously invested in BrewDog through its 'Equity for Punks' crowdfunding scheme. This outreach was reportedly part of his efforts to purchase back shares, a move that has drawn scrutiny from former investors regarding the provenance and legitimate use of their personal information.
An ICO spokesperson stated that the organisation has received several complaints concerning BrewDog and James Watt. They confirmed these submissions are currently undergoing assessment to determine if any breach of the UK's data protection framework has occurred. The ICO retains powers to investigate and impose sanctions if infractions are identified.
Mr. Watt, who recently stepped down as CEO of BrewDog, has not yet publicly commented on the specifics of the data protection complaints. This development follows a period of significant change for the company, including leadership transitions and ongoing shareholder engagement strategies.
