Greene King appoints new finance chief

Matthew Fearn, chief financial officer at foodservice company Brakes, is to replace Ian Bull as group finance director at brewer and pub operator Greene King.

Bull, who joined Greene King as group finance director in January 2006, will leave the Suffolk-based company following the announcement of its preliminary results on 30 June. Bull is to take the role of chief financial officer at Ladbrokes.

Fearn will become Greene King's group finance director and join the board on 1 September. He was formerly group finance director at De Vere Group, following several years at Whitbread in a variety of finance roles.

Greene King chief executive Rooney Anand said: "Since joining us five years ago, Ian has played a key part in Greene King's ongoing success and development against a demanding backdrop for the industry. Ian will be staying until the announcement of our results in June after which he will leave with our sincere thanks and very best wishes for the future.

"At the same time, I am very pleased that Matthew Fearn is joining the team. Matthew has extensive experience in consumer-facing leisure and food businesses and we look forward to him helping us continue to drive our exciting growth and development plans."