Heron and Brearley Group appoints ex-Liberation CEO as chairman
He replaces outgoing chairman, Christopher Smith, who is retiring
Isle of Man-based hospitality group Heron and Brearley Group has announced the appointment of Mark Crowther, former chief executive of the Liberation Group, as chairman.
Crowther, who has worked for 11 years as Liberation Group’s CEO, brings over 30 years’ food, drink, and hospitality experience to the Manx business. He replaces outgoing chairman, Christopher Smith, who is retiring.
Within Crowther’s current portfolio of board roles is his chairmanship of London-based Portobello Pub Co backed by Zetland Capital and Midlands based Pub People backed by Downing LLP.
He is also already familiar with the “special nature” of island-based businesses. Following successful careers with brand owners Carlsberg and Diageo, Crowther led the original buy-out of the Channel Islands-based Liberation Group, going on to double the size and profitability of the business.
Speaking on behalf of the Heron and Brearley Group board, Danny Hall, CFO, said; “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Crowther as our new chairman. In keeping with the group’s commitment to enhance its board, Mark’s appointment brings significant leadership experience, particularly in the hospitality sector and in Island-based businesses, to the group.
“As we look to the future, Mark will now play a significant role in shaping, guiding and leading the board and our management team through the next chapter of Heron and Brearley’s long history.”
Crowther added: “Heron and Brearley is a diverse business with a storied history and a unique place in the Isle of Man community. The group is poised for an exciting next phase and I am looking forward to supporting the team in taking the business forward.
“I have devoted my career to pub and brewing culture and I’m looking forward to spending time with many of Heron and Brearley’s individual venues and businesses in the coming months. The group has an impressive platform on which to build with its vertically integrated business. At the heart of this is Okell’s, an award-winning brewery, which is about to celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2025. That is a great catalyst for the whole group, and I am looking forward to hitting the ground running.”