Stonegate announces new appointments
Kay Bartlett, who is currently chief marketing officer (CMO) at Wagamama will join Stonegate as CMO.
Joining the pub group in February, Bartlett brings with her a wealth of experience in marketing, brand, digital and loyalty.
Furthermore, Nick Marks, who was formerly director of commercial for the business, has been promoted to group commercial director.
He will oversee all procurement activities and lead the group’s supply chain operation.
Valuable expertise
On the new appointments, McDowall, whom the roles will report into, said: “These additions to our operating board highlight the critical role both our marketing and commercial teams will play in driving our strategy forward in the coming years.
“I’m incredibly excited to welcome someone of Kay’s calibre to the team. She will bring valuable expertise and ensure we continue to put the needs of our guests at the heart of the business.
“I’m also delighted with Nick’s incredibly well-deserved promotion, which is a reflection of the outstanding contributions made by him and his team in working with our suppliers over the past 18 months.
“I am excited to see the impact both Kay and Nick will make on our business.”
This month (October), Stonegate announced it had invested £1m into a new concept, which is launching in December in Leeds.
New concepts
Rita’s Beerhall and Ballroom is a former Walkabout site on Woodhouse Lane in the city and was named after the Margarita cocktail.
It will offer a programme of live music seven days a week as well as live sport and big event screenings alongside a range of cocktails, beer, pizzas and more available.
Furthermore, the pub company also recently launched a new brand through its pub estate – Social Pub & Kitchen.
The new addition comes after the refurbishment and rebranding of some of its pubs across England and Scotland.
Having invested more than £5m into refurbishing its pubs in its 2024 financial year, Stonegate pledged to put in more money for 2025 to enhance its managed estate and support local communities with more than 300 jobs being created.
Sites have moved across from Stonegate’s Town Pub & Kitchen and Common Room brands to form the Social Pub & Kitchen division – which currently has 127 pubs – and will be recognisable from the shield and Hermes head symbols at each site.
