Punch Pubs and Co appoints Andy Spencer as CEO
Spencer has over 20 years’ experience in the pub sector, holding senior roles at Greene King, Brewhouse and Kitchen and Allied Domecq before joining Punch over five years ago
UK pub group Punch Pubs and Co has announced the appointment of current chief operating officer Andy Spencer to the role of chief executive officer.
Spencer will assume the role of CEO on 27 September, succeeding current CEO Clive Chesser who is stepping down after six successful years to become CEO at The PureGym Group.
Spencer has over 20 years’ experience in the pub sector, holding senior roles at Greene King, Brewhouse and Kitchen and Allied Domecq before joining Punch over five years ago.
He has extensive experience leading operations, commercial and property teams and has been instrumental in the current success of Punch.
Going forward as CEO, Spence and the Punch executive will carry on building the current 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 CEO from September, and to lead Punch Pubs and 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.”
Chesser added: “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 which 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.”
He concluded: “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.”