Clive Chesser to step down as Punch CEO, Andy Spencer to lead next stage of company’s growth: Clive Chesser is stepping down as chief executive of the Fortress Investment Group-backed Punch Pubs & Co after six years in the role to become chief executive at The PureGym Group. At the same time, the circa 1,300-strong Punch has announced that Andy Spencer, currently Punch's chief operating officer, has been appointed as its new chief executive. Spencer has more than 20 years' experience in the pub sector, holding senior roles at Greene King, Brewhouse & Kitchen and Allied Domecq before joining Punch more than five years ago. The company said he has extensive experience leading operations, commercial and property teams and has been instrumental in the current success of Punch. He will assume the role of chief executive on 27 September. Chesser said: “It has been a huge privilege to lead the Punch business for the past six years, and to work with so many talented and inspirational colleagues in an industry that I love. I will always be proud of the progressive steps that we have made during my tenure, and of our achievements as a business. I would like to thank every member of the Punch team for their positivity and passion, along with the partnership of our supportive owners, Fortress Investment Group. I have worked with Andy in two different businesses over the past 15 years, and I could not be handing over to a stronger successor. Together they will take this great company forward to the next stage of its exciting journey. Health and fitness is an important part of my life and so now feels the right time for me to embark on a new adventure and to test myself in a different sector.” Going forward as chief executive, Spencer and the Punch executive will carry on building the current strong financial performance of Punch, with continued sales and profit growth from the growing management partnerships business, from the recent acquisitions and the ongoing investment and innovation in the leased and tenanted estate. Spencer said: “I am honoured to take on the role of chief executive from September, and to lead Punch Pubs & Co into the future. We have a strong foundation and a hugely talented team, and I am excited to continue building on the momentum we have established under Clive's stewardship. Local pubs are the backbone of communities up and down the country, and I'm looking forward to leading the Punch team to support our inspirational publicans and partners." Domnall Tait, managing director at Fortress Investment Group, added: “We are delighted to have appointed Andy to the role of chief executive. With extensive experience in the pub sector and in-depth knowledge of the business, we are confident he is the right person to lead Punch into its next stage of growth. We would also like to thank Clive for his expert leadership and significant contribution to Punch's success over the past six years. Clive has overseen the evolution of Punch into a modern and progressive pub company and leaves it in excellent health. We wish Clive all the very best in his future endeavours and he will remain a true friend of Punch and its people.” Punch features in the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book, which is available exclusively to Premium Club members and features 958 companies. Punch’s turnover of £313.5m for the year ending 13 August 2023 is the 36th highest in the database. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.