Marston's: Andrew leaves, Darby steps up

Marston's has announced a reshuffle of its management team with Derek Andrew, managing director of its managed Marston's Inns and Taverns, deciding to step down after 30 years with the company.

Andrew will continue to provide consultancy advice for the company on its new build pub programme. He received the Special Achievement Award at the Great British Food Awards earlier this year.

The re-shuffle will see the executive directors reduce from five to three — Ralph Findlay, Andrew Andrea and Alistair Darby — from 2 October 2011 as a result of a re-jig in how its tenanted and leased pubs will be managed.

From 2 October 2011, those pubs operating under Retail Agreements will convert to the managed division, Marston's Inns and Taverns. By 2013 Marston's Inns and Taverns will operate around 1,100 pubs.

Its Retail Agreement is a quasi-franchise that pays licensees 20% to 28% of net takings, with Marston's in charge of EPoS, stock-taking, retail offer and costs, except staff.

Marston's Pub Company will operate around 1,000 pubs under long term lease agreements.

As a result, Alistair Darby (currently managing director of Marston's Pub Company), will become chief operating officer.

Stephen Oliver, managing director of Marston's Beer Company, will also be responsible for the tenanted Marston's Pub Company and will report to Alistair Darby as managing director of both businesses.

Peter Dalzell, who is currently operations director of Marston's Pub Company, and previously operations director of Marston's Inns and Taverns will succeed Andrew as managing director of Marston's Inns and Taverns and will report to Alistair Darby.

"The focus of management will be to continue to improve customer service and support so that our licensees are better placed to develop their own businesses and to respond to market trends," said chief executive Ralph Findlay.

"During 2010 we combined certain areas of commercial support and developed shared business initiatives between Marston's Pub Company and Marston's Beer Company, recognising that many of the challenges faced by lessees are identical to those of independent operators.

"These initiatives contributed to improved performance in both divisions, and we therefore plan to extend this philosophy by bringing the management of our leased pubs and independent pub customers together from 2nd October 2011.

"Through implementing these plans we aim to have a consistent and clear focus on consumers visiting our managed and Retail Agreement pubs, and on supporting leasehold and independent customers in developing their businesses."

• The announcement came as Marston's unveiled a 4.6% rise in end of year profit: Profit up at Marston's​​