Chris Jowsey to head up Admiral Taverns

06-Jun-2019 - Last updated on 06-Jun-2019 at 08:50 GMT

Experienced operator: Admiral's new chief executive, Chris Jowsey

Heineken’s head of on-trade Chris Jowsey has been announced as current Admiral Taverns' chief executive Kevin Georgel’s successor next month.

Jowsey has 18 years of experience in the on-trade and joined Heineken UK in 2003 where he eventually oversaw the growth and expansion of its Star Pubs & Bars leased and tenanted business, looking after 2,700 pubs.

Georgel was announced as James Staughton’s successor as St Austell’s chief executive officer in April.

“On behalf of the board and the entire team, I am delighted to welcome Chris to Admiral,” said Admiral’s chairman Tom Ward.

‘Passion for the pub sector’

“Chris not only brings with him over 18 years of wider industry expertise but an in-depth knowledge and passion for the leased and tenanted pub sector.

“His career path at Heineken is impressive and his clear ambition, experience and understanding of the sector will be invaluable in leading the company through the next stage of its growth and development.”

Of his new appointment, Jowsey said: “I’m delighted to be joining Admiral at this exciting phase in the group’s history.

“The business has gone from strength to strength in recent years and the team has carved an excellent reputation in the industry.

“I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues, the board and our investors to build on this impressive growth trajectory, championing the valuable role that pubs can play in their local communities and cementing Admiral’s reputation as a leading operator in the sector.”

St Austell’s future

Meanwhile, in an interview with The Morning Advertiser in April, St Austell chief executive James Staughton outlined plans to expand the family-owned brewery and pubco’s estate to at least 200 sites in the future.

“Our aim continues to be expanding our 177-strong pub estate, primarily across our south-west heartland,” he said.

“While there’s no specific target, and our focus remains on quality not quantity, it’s always been an ambition to grow our estate to around 200 pubs.

“Our new distribution centre in Wimborne will be instrumental in allowing us to expand into new West Country territories, should the right pub opportunities arise.”