Major restructuring at Greene King
Greene King has unveiled a major re-organisation of its managed pubs division which will see the departure of Mark Angela and the estate split into two segments.
Jonathan Webster, who was formerly the chief executive of Hardys and Hansons, will lead a new food-led destination pubs division of 280 sites while Jonathan Lawson, who was previously retail operations director for Sainbury's Convenience Stores, takes charge of a 510 wet-led pubs.
Mark Angela has played a key role in the recent development of our managed pubs, particularly with the successful integration of Laurel, and he leaves with our very best wishesGreene King chief executive Rooney Anand.
The re-organisation aims to reflect the different trading styles of the pubs within the estate. The Destination Pubs division will focus on the development and continued roll-out of centrally-developed, marketed and managed brands and formats, in larger destination-orientated sites.
These sites will typically derive a High proportion of their revenue from food sales and many also have letting rooms.
In the Local Pubs division, by contrast, pub managers will be given greater autonomy and flexibility to match the individual pub offer to local market needs and opportunities. In the main, these pubs will be drinks-led, though with a growing food offer, and mostly in community and town-local locations.
The re-organisation is being achieved with no increase in overheads, will involve minimal disruption and will be complete by the end of April.
As part of the reorganisation, Mark Angela will be leaving the company and stepping down from the board on 16 April.
Chief executive Rooney Anand said: "Over the last few years, we have grown both the quality and the size of our managed estate and now have an enviable portfolio of pubs.
"Today's reorganisation represents an important step in ensuring this growth momentum can continue well into the future.
"Mark Angela has played a key role in the recent development of our managed pubs, particularly with the successful integration of Laurel, and he leaves with our very best wishes.
"I am delighted to welcome Jonathan Lawson to Greene King. The flair and local entrepreneurialism he brought to Sainsbury's convenience stores combined with his strong retail skills will bring a fresh and exciting perspective to our Local Pubs. At the same time, we have been impressed from the outset with the
Hardys & Hansons team, especially their food development and operational skills, and I am therefore delighted that Jonathan Webster will be staying with us to lead Destination Pubs."
