Marston’s CEO Andrea replaced by Merlin strategy officer

17-Nov-2023 - Last updated on 17-Nov-2023 at 09:47 GMT

CEO change at Marston’s: Andrew Andrea (left) and Justin Platt

Marston’s CEO Andrew Andrea has agreed with the board he will step down from his role with immediate effect and will be replaced by Merlin Entertainment chief strategy officer Justin Platt.

Andrea will be available to the business for a period to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities but was thanked by the group for more than 20 years service in total, which included navigating the business through the pandemic and, more recently, the challenging macroeconomic conditions.

Platt has been appointed following an external process and will begin in the CEO position from 10 January 2024.

Marston’s chairman William Rucker will support the management transition in the short interim period with the executive team reporting directly to him.

Proven track record

Platt has more than 30 years’ experience in hospitality and consumer-facing businesses, having spent the past 12 years at Merlin Entertainments; most recently as chief strategy officer and, prior to that, in a variety of operational leadership roles.

Marston’s said he has a proven track record of delivering sustainable business growth through his clarity of strategic focus, a passion for enhancing customer experiences and a relentless focus on business results delivery.

His combination of operational and strategic experience in multi-site leisure businesses equips him perfectly to lead Marston’s through the next phase of its development.

Current trading remains in line with management expectations with preliminary results to be announced on Tuesday 5 December.

Valuable contribution

Rucker said: “Andrew has worked for the company for over 20 years and the board thanks him for his valuable contribution, particularly in recent times, which has been one of the most challenging for our sector. He leaves with our very best wishes.

“Looking forward, I am very pleased to be able to announce the appointment of Justin Platt whose broad consumer sector expertise, strategic acumen and prowess in customer experience at Merlin will be of great benefit to Marston’s at this stage in the company’s journey.”

Andrea added: “I am extremely proud to have navigated Marston’s out of the pandemic as a focused pub business and put in place a first-class management team who are achieving market outperformance.

“This is the right time for me to step down and I am confident the business is in great shape with strong future potential. I wish William, Justin and the whole team continued success in the future."

Platt said: “I am delighted to be joining Marston’s. The company has massive potential and a passionate and talented team. I am really looking forward to working with the board and the management team to deliver the sustainable business growth that will drive value for our shareholders.”