Richard Woodard joined the Enterprise Inns as divisional director in June 2014 and has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, which includes a decade with fast-food giant McDonald’s.
Woodard said: “I am thrilled to have this exciting opportunity to grow our managed business at this key stage in its development. The Bermondsey Pub Company is a fantastic group of pubs and we’re working with a great team."
Woodard also spent 10 years working at Punch as a regional manager followed by regional operations director.
Strong business
Woodard took on the role this week. He is responsible for leading operations at the Solihull, West Midlands-based pubco, which has a 26-strong estate, driving business performance and overseeing its expansion as part of Enterprise Inns’ five-year strategic plan.
Woodard said: “So far, business has been strong and the future looks even better. I am looking forward to working with the team to build upon this success as we head into a period of expansion. We aim to have 200 pubs by 2020.”
Fantastic asset
Group commercial director at Enterprise Inns Paul Harbottle said Woodward has been a “fantastic asset” to the business since joining and has been responsible for several innovations that have significantly enhanced operations.
He added: “He was an obvious choice for the role as operations director for the Bermondsey Pub Company and we are delighted that he’s it.”
Earlier this year, the Bermondsey Pub Company sponsored the Putting Young Minds to Work course where budding young entrepreneurs learnt how rewarding a career in hospitality can be, directly from licensees.