Helen Charlesworth ‘stepping down one of the hardest things I’ve done’
Having joined the business in 2016, she has led every brand and format in the pub group’s managed division.
During her career, she has championed women in the sector and has previously been recognised as a ‘Woman to Watch’ in the 2019 Hospitality Travel & Leisure Index.
Also in 2019, Stonegate unveiled a female mentor scheme, which Charlesworth, who was then one of three women on the group’s executive board, was part of.
Business experience
At the time, she said: “I have been given help and support throughout my career and believe it is important to give back and leave a legacy for the future.”
More recently in 2022, the group launched the first site of its premium division the Chapter Collection, which came after Stonegate identified a gap in its premium food offer, was overseen by Charlesworth.
Furthermore, her role included overseeing around 800 sites and 16,000 people as well as being responsible for driving the business profit.
An announcement about her successor will be made in due course.
Right time
On her departure from Stonegate, Charlesworth said: “This has been one of the hardest things I have ever done but feel the time is right to allow fresh vision for the business.
“Stonegate is an incredible business because of the teams of people who work there and I have been truly honoured to have led them over the past few years. I am sure they will continue to flourish and go from strength to strength.”
Stonegate Group CEO David McDowall thanked Charlesworth for the support she had provided him with since he joined the business just over a year ago.
He added: “She is a first-class operator who has achieved remarkable things during her time with the business. I wish her every success for the future.”
