Valiant Pub Company co-founder leaves business

By Nikkie Thatcher

- Last updated on GMT

Stepping down: James Croft was a co-founder of Valiant Pub Company alongside Gerry Carroll and Mark McGinty (image: Getty/Betsie Van der Meer)
Stepping down: James Croft was a co-founder of Valiant Pub Company alongside Gerry Carroll and Mark McGinty (image: Getty/Betsie Van der Meer)
Chief financial officer and co-founder of Valiant Pub Company James Croft has left the firm after stepping down from the board on 1 March.

The Valiant board, including co-founders Gerry Carroll, who is also CEO, and Mark McGinty, COO, wished Croft every success for the future.

They also noted his significant contribution to the business and were grateful for his hard work an energy in supporting Valiant through its start-up phase and positioning for future growth.

The trio had previously worked together at Enterprise Inns and were instrumental in rolling out the company’s Beacon concept.

Tremendous fondness

Having built and operated successful pub companies in the past, they aim to take their winning formula to a new level through Valiant’s format.

On his departure, Croft said: “I have a tremendous fondness for the Valiant family and I have thoroughly enjoyed the past couple of years.

“I would like to thank the board and our fantastic investor Njord for the support in enabling me to start the next chapter of my career.”

The business was founded at the beginning of 2021 by the trio and announced its first transaction in November of the same year after reaching an agreement to buy 17 pubs from SA Brain​.

Company strategy

It launched with a strategy to develop a substantial community-focused pub business with the support of investment firm Njord Partners.

The company aims to be a business built on its values, focused on putting people first. The values are camaraderie, courteous, courage and charge.

It puts community pubs at the fore and through its partnerships and commitment to invest in its people, Valiant looks to create well-invested, community pubs operating in the heart of their communities.

It continues to expand rapidly and aims to develop a substantial pub business in the coming years, supporting in its ambition by Njord Partners.

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