Thu 3rd Sep 2015 - Charles Wells unveils new chief executive Charles Wells unveils new chief executive: Bedford brewer and retailer Charles Wells has announced changes in responsibility at board level as the next stage of its reintegration of the brewing and pubs businesses. After 17 years as chief executive and latterly chairman, Paul Wells’ role is to be split and he will take the role of chairman for Charles Wells. Justin Phillimore, currently the managing director of the brewing and brands division will become chief executive of Charles Wells, taking responsibility at the end of September. Peter Wells, currently managing director of Charles Wells UK pubs, will become the commercial director of Charles Wells, with responsibility for all sales and marketing across brewing and retail. Paul Wells said: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with a tremendous group of people at Charles Wells and seen them work together to build the business we have today. I am delighted to be able to hand over the chief executive role to Justin Phillimore to drive the next chapter of development of Charles Wells. As chairman I will remain closely involved but also focus on new initiatives for our family companies. Peter has extensive experience in our pubs business and the role of commercial director enables him to bring his retail insights to a wider audience. He will provide the leadership that will help our marketing and sales support be as effective as possible for all our customers. Peter will be one of three members of the Wells family still involved in the business on a daily basis.” Phillimore added: “Paul has contributed so much to our business and, indeed, the industry and I have valued his wise counsel and pragmatic approach and will continue to draw on this in his role as chairman. I’m excited about taking the chief executive role for our combined business operations and looking forward to working with the outstanding teams we have here. We have a well-developed strategy which includes driving our managed house operations in the UK and France, working with our partners to continue development of our excellent beer portfolio and providing a commitment to the highest quality service for our customers.” The changes will be implemented from September and other members of the Board will remain unchanged. They are Anthony Fryer (finance director), Andrea Holton (France and HR director), Tony Mair, Paul Rawlinson and Bob Ivell (non-executive directors).