Dardis to leave Young's

Young’s boss Patrick Dardis has announced plans to step down from the role after six years, to be replaced by chief operating office Simon Dodd.

Dardis, who has worked for the company for 20 years, 19 on the board and six as CEO, will step down from the role at Young’s AGM on 5 July.

Dodd, who was recruited into the business three years ago with succession planning in mind, will take over the reigns, although Dardis will remain on the board to oversee the transition until he retires at the end of September.

Dodd has a wealth of experience, having spent more than a decade working in the pub and brewing sector, most recently on the board of Fuller, Smith & Turner, and prior to that with the Orchid Pub Company.

The move marks the end of a long career at Young’s for Dardis, who has overseen considerable change in the business, from the sale of the company’s brewing operations to Charles Wells, to more recently the sale of its tenanted and leased sites to Punch, as well as guiding the business through the challenges of the pandemic.

Steve Goodyear, chairman of Young’s, said: “I have really enjoyed working with Patrick over the last 20 years. He has worked very effectively and with great energy and passion for the business. On behalf of the board, I would like to thank him for his huge contribution and his many successful achievements during his time at Young’s.”

Dardis added: “Now is the right time to hand over the reins to Simon and the rest of the team at Young’s. I leave behind a great business, in good shape with a very talented team. 

“It has been a privilege to lead a business with so many fantastic people in it and I would like to thank all of my colleagues for their support and contribution over the last 20 years.”