Greg Sage, who spent 13 years at Tesco, most recently as community director, started work at the brewer and pub operator on the eve of completion of its acquisition of Spirit Pub Company.
Sage had previously held positions as internal communications director, international corporate affairs director, head of internal communications and international corporate affairs manager at Tesco.
Dealing in Spirit shares were suspended at 7.30am this morning. Dealings in the new Greene King shares are due to commence, with effect from 8am tomorrow.