Spirit merges divisions as Richards is poached

by The PMA Team

Managed operator Spirit Group is to reduce its operating divisions after Steve Richards, managing director of City Spirit, was poached to become new chief executive of Tiger Tiger operator Urbium.

The news of Richards' departure coincides with rumours that Spirit is looking to sell a number of high-street sites. The rumour has been firmly denied by Spirit this week.

From the end of March, Spirit will move from four operating divisions (Locals, City Spirit, Spirit Food and Devco) to three (Spirit Pubs & Bars, Spirit Food and Devco).

The enlarged Pubs & Bars business of more than 1,400 outlets will be headed by managing director Paul Symonds, who runs Locals and previously worked as managing director of Burger King, growing the chain from 410 to 592 restaurants.

Karen Jones, chief executive of Spirit, said: "We all wish Steve the very best for the future and thank him for his contribution during his time at Spirit."

Richards, 37, who leaves Spirit on 11 April, currently runs 570 Spirit outlets, including brands such as Henry's and Bar 38. A significant proportion of the City Spirit outlets are in London.

Prior to this, he was managing director of Scottish & Newcastle's pub business until its acquisition by the Spirit Group, and had previously held a similar position with Greenalls Group. His earlier career included senior operational, marketing and brand development roles with Allied Domecq.

Richards, who takes up his Urbium duties in May, replaces Robert Cohen who left last year to pursue other opportunities.

Urbium executive chairman, John Conlan, said: "We are delighted that Steve has agreed to join Urbium as chief executive. His track record in liquor and food retailing is very impressive and I have no doubt that he will add substantial value for Urbium shareholders in the future."