Liberation Group appoints new chiefs at Butcombe Brewery

The operator of 116 pubs has revealed that Marc McGuigan will become managing director of Butcombe Brewery on 15 July, while Andrew Cooney has recently started work as director of sales.

McGuigan joins Butcombe from Greene King where he served for 12 years, most recently as business unit director for Greene King’s local managed pubs division having previously held senior roles in Greene King’s Hotel and Branded Restaurant divisions.

Cooney, whose most recent roles include serving as director of business consultancy Trade Intelligence Ltd and head of customer development at SHS Drinks, previously worked as commercial director of Marston’s Pub Company.

The pair will report to Liberation Group’s chief executive Jonathan Lawson, who joined the business in January 2019​.

Talented and experienced operators

The recent growth of Butcombe Brewery and its beer business comes off the back of significant investment in the brewer’s infrastructure for brewing, bottling and kegging by Liberation Group with the support of Caledonia Investments – which agreed to buy Liberation Group from LGV Capital for £118m in 2015​.

Liberation Group CEO Jonathan Lawson said: “These two new appointments mark a new chapter in the development of Butcombe Brewery, and I am delighted to welcome both Marc and Andrew to the business.

“They are two talented and experienced operators who together will drive the future success of the business and deliver on the board’s expectations.”

Liberation Group has 116 predominantly freehold pubs, located in Jersey (43 pubs), Guernsey (26 pubs) Alderney (three pubs) and the UK (44 pubs).

It also owns and operates Liberation Brewery and Butcombe Brewery as well as drinks distribution businesses Victor Hugo, Bucktrout & Co and Butcombe Beer Store.

As reported by The Morning Advertiser​ Liberation Group – secured a foothold on the mainland with the acquisition of Butcombe Brewery​ in January 2015.