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6 Mitchells & Butlers
Key personnel: Alistair Darby, chief executive; Bob Ivell, chairman
When Darby first joined the company some 18 months ago he admitted that Mitchells & Butlers had “lost its way a bit” on knowing what the consumer wanted, which was proving a hand-brake to the transformational programme the managed operator needed to undergo. But with his eyes now fully open, Darby has positioned the company for long-term growth with a new IT project rollout, an openings programme and investment in staff training, particularly with apprenticeships. In June, the company acquired the majority of Orchid’s estate, consisting of 173 sites, with plans to convert the majority to its brands.
