Wed 11th Sep 2024 - Exclusive: Greene King forms new executive board structure Exclusive – Greene King forms new executive board structure, CFO to retire, Zoe Bowley to take a permanent MD role: Brewer and retailer Greene King has formed a new executive board structure, which sees Zoe Bowley become a permanent managing director, and the departure of three directors, as it looks to deliver the “next stage of its strategic transformation journey”, Propel has learned. The Nick Mackenize-led business said that the next stage of its strategy will focus on delivery through a more agile organisation to “delight its customers and deliver outstanding experiences”. The company said: “This next phase will build on the last four years’ progress of business and cultural transformation, which has included branded portfolio development, customer-centric digital enablers including bookings, website redevelopment and Wi-Fi and new app, and industry-leading investment in our estate. The sharp focus on delivery will be achieved against a backdrop of challenging economic headwinds and changing market dynamics. As a result, Greene King will be making the business more agile, helping it to unlock the benefits of the investments over recent years, for customers, team members and the financial performance.” In line with this, the company is introducing a smaller executive board structure, moving from ten to seven members. These changes will include the departure of Maria Sebastian, chief marketing officer; Wayne Shurvinton, managing director, Partnerships and Ventures; and Assad Malic, chief communications and sustainability officer. The reshaped executive team reporting to Mackenzie will be: Clair Preston-Beer, who takes up the new role of chief operating officer, and will be responsible for “ensuring the business can drive margin growth through an efficient operating model and leveraging investment”. She will take responsibility for central operations, productivity, procurement, IT and digital, central marketing and property. Andrew Bush is appointed to the new role of chief experience officer, “ensuring the impact of Greene King’s vision, values and strategy is consistent across teams, customers, and communities”. He will take responsibility for people and culture; insight and customer strategy and planning; environmental, social and governance; communications and corporate affairs. Jodie Tate sees her remit expanded to include the existing venture brands as managing director, Destination Brands and Ventures. The managing directors of the Venture businesses of Hickory’s, Premium (Metro and Crafted) and hotels will now report to Tate. They will continue to operate autonomously of Greene King’s managed pub brands. Bowley, who stepped down as managing director of PizzaExpress at the start of last year, joined Greene King last October on an interim basis to develop its Metropolitan Pub Company division and lead its Crafted Pubs business. Bowley now joins the business on a permanent basis as managing director, Greene King pubs. She will also take responsibility for Pub Partners, which will continue to operate as an autonomous tenanted, leased and franchise business, with its own managing director in Dan Robinson. Matt Starbuck, continues in his recently expanded role as managing director for brewing and group supply chain, with accountability for Brewing & Brands and both food and drink supply networks. The company said earlier this year, Richard Smothers, chief financial officer, shared his intention to retire from a full-time executive role after seven years with Greene King and will remain with the business until April 2025 and then continue to support the business in an advisory role, thereafter. Propel understands that the replacement for Smothers is well advanced and the business will announce his successor in due course. This new executive structure takes effect immediately. Subsequently, to implement these changes across the business, the company said a process of consultation will begin to ensure that all central support functions are fully aligned to the new executive structure. Mackenzie said: “We have made strong progress on our business and cultural transformation journey to be the pride of British hospitality and now is the right time to move into the next phase. A restructure of central support functions is now necessary for the business to thrive for a sustainable future in these challenging times and be best placed to delight customers and deliver outstanding experiences. We will be working with representatives to support our team members and limit job losses. We are incredibly grateful to Maria, Wayne, and Assad for their contribution, without which Greene King would not be in such a strong position now. We are confident in our strategy and believe our new team and structure is right for us, unlocking the next phase of delivery. We will continue to focus investment in our people, and being customer first, brand-led and digitally-enabled, in order to succeed in our plan.” Earlier this year, Greene King committed to invest £40m in a new state-of-the-art brewery in Bury St Edmunds and £23m in a new depot in Greater Manchester. Greene King features in the Premium Club Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the next edition of which will be sent to Premium Club subscribers on Friday (13 September) at midday and feature 978 companies. Greene King’s turnover of £2,375,400,000 for the year ending 31 December 2023 is the fourth highest in the database. The Blue Book ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors’ earnings for the past five years. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club 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.