đź”’Former seaweed industry leader to take helm at Oxbow Brewing
After recently stepping down as CEO of Atlantic Sea Farms, Briana Warner has joined Bristol Seafood as vice president of marketing and strategy. PROVIDED PHOTO
Briana Warner, the former CEO of Biddeford-based seaweed startup Atlantic Sea Farms, who has also held roles at Bristol Seafood and Mark Foods in Portland, has been named president of Oxbow Brewing Co.
Tim Adams, founder and owner of the Newcastle-based brewer, will stay with the company after the transition, focusing on brand development, creative direction, sales, company culture and community engagement.
"Briana is an outstanding leader and a natural fit for Oxbow," he said. "Her experience and values align perfectly with our commitment to thoughtful, sustainable growth."
Growth path
Warner will oversee Oxbow's day-to-day operations and guide the brewer's continued growth across its brewery, wholesale and hospitality businesses. She will be one of the few women leading a brewery in the male-dominated sector, alongside Jenn Lever of Baxter Brewing Co. in Lewiston.
"Oxbow has always led with intention," said Warner. "There's a deep respect here — for craft, for people and for Maine. I'm excited to join the team and work together to build on everything that makes Oxbow special."
After recently stepping down as CEO of Atlantic Sea Farms, Briana Warner has joined Bristol Seafood as vice president of marketing and strategy. PROVIDED PHOTO
Warner stepped down as CEO of Atlantic Sea Farms in February 2025 and was a U.S. diplomat early in her career.
She was honored on the MaineBiz Next list in 2020 for her contributions to Maine's economy.
Geographic reach
The announcement follows Oxbow's 2025 acquisition of Rising Tide Brewing Co., a Portland-based brewery and tasting room founded in 2010.
Oxbow, founded in 2011 as a small farmhouse brewery, was ranked No. 15 among Maine-based brewers in the 2026 Mainebiz Book of Lists, while Rising Tide was ranked No. 12. Rankings were based on 2024 production in barrels.
Today, the company distributes its products in Maine and beyond and operates two taprooms and event spaces in Portland, as well as the Oxbow Beer Garden in Oxford.