In January, a transformation for the industry’s trade associations was announced with the merger of the British Hospitality Association (BHA) and the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) into UKHospitality, headed by Kate Nicholls.
The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) announced its next chair as Red Mist Leisure’s Mark Robson, succeeding Anthony Pender, who held the role for four years.
Another goodbye came in the form of Scott Waddington, who left his role at the Welsh brewer and pub operator Brains after 17 years, saying it felt like “the natural time” to depart.
A new chief executive was appointed at Revolution Bars Group, with Rob Pritcher announced as the successor to Keith Edelman in February. The bar group also appointed Nick Clarke as acquisition and estates manager later in the year.
New leaders
Pubco and brewer Greene King's chief executive, Rooney Anand, revealed he would be stepping down from his role at the pub group to head an education charity. He held the role for 14 years.
Clive Chesser also left his role as managing director of the pubco’s brewing division to join Punch as its new chief executive officer, in April.
Channel Island and West Country pub company The Liberation Group announced that Jonathan Lawson will join the business as chief executive on 14 January 2019. Lawson said he was looking forward to "fully immersing" himself in the company and meeting its customers.
Dermot King, director at Bourne Leisure and managing director at Butlin’s, was hired to take on a senior role at the regional pubco Oakman Inns as it expands.
In more recent brewery news, Carlsberg UK announced that Tomasz Blawat, currently head of Carlsberg Poland, will take over in the new year as its new chief executive.
Sussex-based Bedlam Brewery also appointed a new head, with Bob Emms to take over the operation next year.