Greene King boss to step down
Anand was managing director of Greene King Brewing Company before succeeding Tim Bridge as chief executive in 2004 after joining the Greene King board in 2001.
During his 14 years, the Suffolk-based brewer and operator has grown from 1,988 pubs (800 managed), turnover of £732m and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of £190m in 2005 to more than 2,800 pubs (1,700 managed), turnover of £2.2bn last year and EBITDA of £487m.
The company team has also grown significantly from employing 16,000 to 39,000 people in the same period.
Company transformation
Greene King chairman Philip Yea said: “Anand has been CEO of Greene King since 2005 and has proven himself to be one of the most successful and longest serving business leaders our industry has seen, transforming our company over this period.
“He will leave us better positioned for the future. Although he remains in his role for another six months, I should like to take this opportunity to thank him publicly on behalf of the board, colleagues and shareholders for all he has done for them, the company and the industry.
It is not yet know who will be stepping into Anand’s shoes but he will be continuing as chief executive until April 2019.
Great privilege
Anand said: “It has been a great privilege to lead Greene King for almost 14 years and to serve as a director for 18 years.
“As we announced recently, the business is performing in line with our expectations and ahead of the market.
“With a strong team and business culture firmly in place, the time is now right for me to hand over the baton.
“I look forward to supporting Yea, the board and the management team with the succession plan, and delivering our plans and results for the second half of the financial year.”