Mon 29th Apr 2019 - Hall & Woodhouse appoints new managing director and chairman Hall & Woodhouse appoints new managing director and chairman: Dorset brewer and retailer Hall & Woodhouse has appointed Matthew Kearsey as managing director following 10 years of service at the company, and Anthony Woodhouse as chairman. Mark Woodhouse is stepping down as chairman and is taking on a new role as family director. Directors David Hoare and Martin Scott are retiring after 18 years with the company while Michael Owen has left the business to become chief financial officer of London pub retailer Young’s. Hall & Woodhouse is in the process of appointing a replacement. Mark Woodhouse said: “We have been planning this succession for a number of years in the knowledge that some directors were due to retire this year. With regards to the new leadership team, I don’t think we have had a better one in our 242-year history to drive the business forward.” Anthony Woodhouse added: “Matt Kearsey joined us ten years ago and quickly turned around our tenanted pub division, evolving it into the market-leading business partnerships estate we have today. He has subsequently further enhanced our managed house business which, consequently, has seen a rapid growth in sales and profits. But most importantly, he and his leadership team live and breathe our company values. With underlying group profits up 17% despite last year’s challenging trading conditions, a brilliant team in place and a clear strategy for the future, I am confident that we will have plenty to celebrate at our 250th birthday in 2027.” Kearsey said: “I’m both humbled and excited to be taking on this role in what is a very special company, as I have seen first-hand during my time here. We have a growing business with great people who have ambitious plans for the future. I’m looking forward to supporting the team through the next stage of our journey.” Hall & Woodhouse operates about 180 pubs across the south of England.