She will retain overall responsibility or food as well as leading the acceleration and innovation of the drinks side of the business.
Bowyer joined the business in 2016 and has risen through the ranks. Since her arrival, the firm’s managed pub sales have increased while the group’s reputation for excellent food has become central to its success including winning multiple Publican Awards. She was also promoted to director of food in December last year.
Memorable experiences
On the announcement, she said: “I am delighted to be stepping into this new role.
“Our incredible drinks offering deserves as much attention and focus as our food so I’m looking forward to working closely with our brilliant teams to make sure we continue to innovate, elevate and push the boundaries, creating even better and more memorable experiences for our guests to enjoy.”
The new role includes creating and overseeing growth initiatives, ensuring drinks get top billing as part of events, occasions and experience planning as well as working closely with customer insights and research teams alongside ensuring market trends and customer feedback is actioned and implemented.
Perfect choice
Liberation Group COO Jayson Perfect said: “Alice is the perfect choice to oversee and grow the drinks side of the business.
“She brings with her, to this new role, the tenacity, dedication and expertise that has been so successful for our food offer, which will create incredible experiences for our guests and even more reason to visit our amazing pubs.”
In the summer (August), Liberation Group reported a strong first half of its financial year.
Its results, which ended 27 July 2024, showed total managed like-for-like sales were up 6.4% with a “stand-out performance” in food at 10% growth.
Furthermore in May, Liberation unveiled plans to launch a new pub estate division - Butcome Boutique Inns, with the aim of becoming the leading operator of premium rooms in the south of England.