GK's managed estate is split into five divisions

by The PMA Team

Greene King has re-organised its managed outlets into five divisions following the acquisition of 432 Laurel neighbourhood pubs last summer.

The new structure, which becomes operational on 7 February, will run 750 pubs. Its five divisions are: Hungry Horse (branded value food-led pubs); Greene King Inns (pubs offering quality food and accommodation); Town Local (urban and town centre pubs); Real Pubs North (local community pubs in the north); and Real Pubs South (local community pubs in the south).

Greene King has adopted a motto ­ the Best of Both Worlds ­ to denote its determination to blend the best ideas and people at Laurel with its own.

Accordingly, Graham Jones, former managing director of Laurel's neighbourhood estate, is to become operations director of the Hungry Horse brand.

Jones replaces Matthew Ash-more, who is leaving Greene King to set up his own business. Paul Hirst, previously operations director at Laurel's northern neighbourhood pubs, will become operations director of the newly-created Real Pubs North division. Each division will include between 140 and 160 pubs.

Greene King has assigned between nine and 11 business development managers for each division ­ they take responsibility for 15 to 20 pubs each.

Greene King pub company managing director Mark Angela said: "Flex management will still be very much at the heart of our operational strategy to allow each pub manager to use their local flair. This will work hand in hand with central guidance and initiatives which will enable each business to work towards maximum profitability."

Greene King Inns will be headed by Ian Flush, while Kris Gumbrell takes charge at Real Pub South. Marin Bates will run the Town Local estate.