Thu 22nd May 2025 - Amber Taverns hires Mark Brooke as new CEO, James Baer to become chair Amber Taverns hires Mark Brooke as new CEO, James Baer to become chair: Wet-led, community pub operator Amber Taverns, which is backed by Epiris, has hired Mark Brookes, formerly of Admiral Taverns, as its new chief executive. Brooke, who will take up his role with the 182-strong business in mid-August, replaces James Baer, the current chief executive, who founded Amber in 2005, who will take up the role of chairman. Brooke joins Amber Taverns from Admiral Taverns where he has been managing director of Proper Pubs, the company’s operator-managed division, since 2021. Amber said he “brings significant experience of pub retailing, and the operator managed model in particular”, having had previous senior operational roles at Hawthorn Leisure and Ei Group/Stonegate Pub Company from 2011 until 2020. Prior to this, he held several senior management positions within the food, finance and retail sectors. Amber Taverns has locations across the UK and is increasingly expanding its geographic footprint across the south of England, with new locations secured in Bedford, Cheltenham, Stroud and Gosport. Baer said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark on board as chief executive. Mark successfully developed the operator managed divisions of both Hawthorn and Admiral Taverns, which has equipped him with a deep understanding of, and commitment to, our model. This, together with his passion for people and community, made him the standout candidate for the role. I very much look forward to working with Mark as we continue to grow and evolve the business ensuring that, with the continued support of Epiris, we remain at the very forefront of operator managed businesses.” Brooke said: “As a long-term admirer of what James and the Amber Taverns team have achieved over the years, it was an easy decision to make when the opportunity to lead this great business came along. Community pubs are in my DNA and I am really excited about what the future holds. With the support of the team, the board and investors, I look forward to building on Amber’s success to date, growing and evolving the business in the next phase of its development.” Last October, Baer told Propel the company would look to expand its geographical reach after being acquired by Epiris, the private equity backer of Big Table Group, for an undisclosed sum. He said: “We’re still looking to open between 15 and 20 sites a year because it’s about finding the right sites. What we will look to do is expand geographically, and we’ve made an offer for a site on the south coast.” Amber Taverns features in the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book, which is available exclusively to Premium Club members and features 1,108 companies. Amber Taverns’ turnover of £110,319,134 for the year ending 4 February 2024 is the 112th 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.