Peter Brook joins Admiral Taverns

Admiral Taverns has ring-fenced 400 of its most troubled pubs into a new operation and put former InDeed Group boss Peter Brook in charge.

Brook, who formerly headed up Tattershall Castle Group and Innspired, will be managing director of the new operation with immediate effect.

Admiral said in a statement that the 400 pubs required "additional support and management expertise in the current economic climate.

"This division will have an increased regional manager to pub ratio. Admiral's other division will therefore comprise of 1,550 trading pubs where the current levels of support and service will be maintained."

In structuring the business in this way Admiral "will be better positioned to meet the challenges that lie ahead and will provide a stronger platform for future development".

Lynne D'Arcy, Admiral's joint managing director, said: "In this economic climate we have recognised that the additional focus is beneficial for our company and our tenants. Andy and I are delighted that Peter has joined the team and we look forward to working together to further build the business.

Brook said the ring-fencing move would enable the group to focus on turning the troubled pubs round.

"I am looking forward to running this newly created division of Admiral Taverns. This is a positive move for the company allowing quicker and more effective management and focused investment decisions," he added.