Greene King splits managed pub business

Jonathan Webster, former boss of Hardys & Hansons, is to assume a managing director role in one of Greene King's new managed pub businesses.

In a move that sees the departure of managed pubs boss Mark Angela, Greene King has split the division into two new businesses, 'Local Pubs' and 'Destination Pubs'.

Local Pubs will comprise 510 community and town-local venues, while the 280 Destination Pubs will be more branded, food-led pubs and hotels.

Webster is to oversee the Destination division, while Jonathan Lawson, a former Sainsbury's retail operations director, will helm the Local Pub business.

Mark Angela, who joined Greene King three years ago from Colgate, is leaving the company and stepping down from the board on April 16, Greene King said in a statement.

The group added the reorganisation "will support the ongoing growth of the managed pub estate and ensure that the entire organisation can remain close to the customer".

"The re-organisation is being achieved with no increase in overheads, will involve minimal disruption and will be complete by the end of April. It will have no impact on Greene King's other divisions."

Greene King's chief executive Rooney Anand said: "Today's reorganisation represents an important step in ensuring this growth momentum can continue well into the future.

"Mark Angela has played a key role in the recent development of our managed pubs, particularly with the successful integration of Laurel, and he leaves with our very best wishes."