BOARDROOM changes at Shepherd Neame have lowered the average age of directors.

Nigel Bunting, 38, joins the board while Robert Neame, 71, is stepping down as chairman.

Mr Bunting, former tied trade operations manager, becomes retail director after 12 years as a manager in various roles with the 300-year-old Faversham brewer.

Mr Neame gives up the chairman’s seat to Miles Templeman, director-general of the Institute of Directors, at the annual meeting on October 28 but he is to stay on as a non-executive director until next June.

While George Barnes, 51, continues as property and tenanted trade director, Mark McJennett, 50, the sales and marketing director, has ceased to be a director.

Mr McJennett joined the Board in March 2000 and has been with Shepherd Neame since 1991. A search for his replacement is underway.

Malcolm Kimmins, 68, will also leave the board on October 28 after six years as a non-executive director.

His proposed replacement is Oliver Barnes, 54, a partner in City law firm Travers Smith. This appointment is subject to shareholder approval.

Mr Neame said: "We would like to welcome Nigel to the board. I am confident that he will make a significant contribution to the company going forward.

"Mark has been a valuable member of the board in the last five years and I would personally like to thank him for his contribution, in particular for his help in developing Spitfire ale.

"Thanks also go to Malcolm, who has been a highly valued member of the board since joining the company in 1999."