The changes in the senior team has meant Andrew Turner – who joined the business in March 2020 as managing director of beer and brands – has been promoted to a newly created role – chief operating officer.
He will oversee all of St Austell Brewery’s day-to-day operations, across the beer and pub estate.
Furthermore, Paul Harbottle has been appointed the company’s first commercial director. He joins with a wealth of experience over the past two decades from across the sector including senior roles at JD Wetherspoon, Bermondsey Pub Company and Ei Group.
Role creation
The new role covers distribution, procurement, property and technology, supporting operational teams.
St Austell chief executive Kevin Georgel said the strengthening of the leadership teal has put the company in the best position to accelerate growth amid ongoing challenges such as high inflation, the cost-of-living crisis, fragile supply chains and labour shortages.
He added: “Since Andrew Turner joined us in March 2020, to lead our beer and brands teams, we’ve made considerable progress in this area of the business and developed our brand portfolio to ensure that it is fit for the future. With these strong foundations in place, we’re confident that now is the right time to align all operations under Andrew’s leadership.
“We’re also thrilled to be welcoming Paul Harbottle to lead our newly formed commercial function, he will bring a wealth of knowledge and industry experience to our senior leadership team and the wider business.
“Forming strong operational and commercial arms - led by Andrew and Paul - will allow us to place an even greater focus on delivering brilliant experiences all year round, for every single customer – whether they are visiting one of our pubs, drinking one of our beers, or ordering from us as a wholesale supplier.”
Acquisition announcement
The company’s latest addition to its portfolio – the Wellington Hotel in Boscastle, north Cornwall – has views overlooking the harbour, 14 bedrooms, three aparthotel suits, a pub and restaurant.
Georgel said: “We’re delighted to have completed on the Wellington today, our first acquisition in more than two years.
“Located on the Cornish coast, it’s a family-friendly destination with great views, a pub, a restaurant, and overnight accommodation, making it popular with both locals and visitors. It fits perfectly with our managed estate and the variety of guest experiences we always look to offer.
“This is a further milestone in the strong recovery we’ve continued to make since the pandemic and supports our plans to strengthen and grow our pub estate across the south west in the months and years ahead.”
