Jonathan Neame was educated at Harrow School, Pembroke College Cambridge, The City University and Inns of Court School of Law. He achieved 2.1 MA Cantab Classics; Diploma in Legal Education and is a Barrister at Law.
After qualifying as a Barrister he joined the COBA Group, London specialists in mergers and acquisitions work, as a Strategic Consultant. Jonathan joined Shepherd Neame in 1991 as Company Secretary. In 1999 he became Managing Director and Chief Executive in 2003 until today.
He was Chairman of the British Beer and Pub Association from 2012 to 2015 and a Non-Executive Director of the St Austell Brewery Company Ltd from 2002 until May 2018. He was Master of the Worshipful Company of Brewers in 2022-2023. He is currently the Vice President of the Brewers of Europe.
He was a Chairman of Visit Kent from 2015 till 2020 and a Chairman a Trustee of the Leeds Castle Foundation from 2011 to 2022.
He is a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent and High Sheriff-in-Nomination (Kent) for 2025-26. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Kent in 2016.
Jonathan is married to Lucie and they have one daughter, Violette. His interests include cricket, real tennis, skiing, country pursuits, walking and cycling.
