Barracuda appoints head of financial control

Managed pub operator Barracuda has appointed Ian Banks as head of financial control.

Banks takes up the role with immediate effect and has previous industry experience with Spirit Group, PriceWaterhouseCoppers, his own Memorable Pubs business and most recently in the banking sector.

He will be responsible for financial and management accounting, payroll and purchase ledger, working alongside head of commercial finance Mike Shipley, and reporting into finance director Nick Morgan

"Although the industry has been through a turbulent time recently, I think there is a great opportunity for the strongest pub operators, of which Barracuda is certainly one," said Banks.

"This is an exciting time to join Barracuda as there are lots of new initiatives planned, including a sustained refurbishment programme across the estate and I look forward to working with the team."

Barracuda's HR director, Jane Biss, said: "I am pleased to welcome Ian to the Barracuda team and am sure he will make a great contribution to the future success of the business."

Barracuda recently celebrated its tenth year of trading and operates over 220 pubs across five brands — Smith & Jones, Varsity, Barracuda Bars, Juniper Inns and Cape.