D'Arcy takes over at Trust Inns

Trust Inns has confirmed the appointment of Lynne D'Arcy as its new managing director.

D'Arcy, former joint MD at Admiral Taverns, will take up her new role next July and work in tandem with current Trust boss Brian King who retires in September.

King's retirement marks the end of a 30-year career in the pub industry which began with Greenalls where he rose to the position of franchise director of its leased and tenanted division.

He joined Trust Inns 10 years ago as managing director and helped mould the then fledgling operation in to one of the trade's leading tenanted pub companies running 600 pubs nationwide.

"I am now 61 and feel its time to take a rest. Trust Inns has known about my plans for the past two years.

"I am taking a clean break from the industry, putting my feet up and looking forward to spending more time with my family.

"I have enjoyed my career immensely. My parents ran pubs so I have lived in a trade environment since the age of five.

"There have been good times and bad but I will leave the trade with some very happy memories," King said.

King said new appointment D'Arcy will spend two months getting to know the company and meeting its licensees out in the field before he finally leaves.

"We hope by the time September comes there will be a seamless transition," he added.

Trust Inns is part of the Hemway Group, led by millionaire businessman Trevor Hemmings.

Chief executive of Hemway, Kathryn Revitt and a director of Trust Inns, paid tribute to King's contribution.

"Brian has led the business through considerable change and has developed a strong business and dedicated team. We wish him all the best for the future," she said.

Revitt added: "The board is delighted that Lynne D'Arcy has agreed to joint us as she brings a wealth of experience to the role."