The pubco, which is based on Burton-on-Trent, has promoted former operations director, Robin Belither, who has been with the business for the past five years, to managing director.
Belither will lead both Punch Pubs’ leased & tenanted (L&T) and management partnerships (MP) divisions.
On the appointment, Punch CEO Andy Spencer said: “Robin’s leadership will drive unified, sustainable growth, helping our operational teams learn from both business units and move more quickly.
Complementary strengths
“He’ll be supported by our outstanding operations directors in both our MP and L&T leadership teams, who’s complementary strengths will enable Robin to make a real impact in this expanded role.”
In addition, Steve Worrall has been appointed to the newly established role of group projects director and will be responsible for establishing a dedicated project management office.
Worral, who has been at Punch since 2022, will also oversee strategic initiatives designed to accelerate the company’s progress over the next 12 months and beyond.
Punch said the move would ensure all growth drivers - including partnership, investments, and acquisitions – were managed with “transparency and consistent excellence”.
Strong trading
“Throughout his time with our business, Steve has demonstrated his ability to translate strategy into measurable outcomes, and I’m excited about the positive momentum he will bring to the entire organisation via this new role”, Spencer added.
The leadership changes are part of Punch’s focus on five key priorities for the year: being the best possible partners, improving investment speed and quality, shifting more pubs to optimal models, acquiring new sites, and driving innovation.
Last month, Punch also revealed plans to double its single-site acquisition run rate over the next 12 months after acquiring 35 community pubs during the 2024/205 financial year, taking its total number of sites to more than 1,300 nationwide.
In its most recent trading update, the pubco reported fourth quarter trading had been strong with EBITDA ahead of the same period in 2024 and total revenue for the 40 weeks to 18 May 2025 of £251.7m (2024: £241.5m).
