Brand operations director Martin Gosling is operations director for Orchid, while Steve de Polo, director of insight, innovation and brand strategy, has been appointed as the company’s new programme director. Both are interim roles specifically to oversee smooth integration of the Orchid business to M&B.
During integration, the insight team is reporting to its marketing director, while De Polo focuses on his new role.
M&B announced last month that it has acquired the majority of Orchid’s estate, consisting of 173 sites plus the head office, for £266m.
It plans to convert 96 to its brands over two years, focusing on concepts such as Harvester, Toby Carvery, Ember, Miller & Carter, Castle and Vintage Inns. M&B also intends to add 77 to its Heartland portfolio.