Borg-Neal, 65, succeeds Richard Lancaster at the Salford-based business, who is stepping down after guiding the business through the post-pandemic period and overseeing record turnover.
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As the founder of Hertfordshire pub operator Oakman Inns, Borg-Neal brings more than 40 years of experience in the hospitality and consumer-facing sectors.
Borg-Neal scaled Oakman Inns up to a £60m-plus pub group spanning 32 sites. His leadership background includes senior roles at Whitbread and Allied Domecq Retailing, as well as twice being named Business Leader of the Year at The Publican Awards. He currently operates as the principal adviser at accountancy business Ascott Advisory.
Traditionalist at heart
Borg-Neal said: “I have always been a traditionalist at heart and I firmly believe the relationship between a brewery and its pubs is one of the defining characteristics of our industry.
“Hydes has been family-owned for more than 160 years and represents a vital part of that heritage. I am immensely proud to become chairman and I see it as a key responsibility to help ensure Hydes remains a strong, proudly independent family business for generations to come.
“Richard Lancaster joined just before the pandemic and, alongside the executive team, guided Hydes through an incredibly challenging environment with great skill and discipline.
“The business has emerged financially strong, well-organised and with a clear sense of purpose. My first responsibility is to preserve that stability. Over the coming months, I intend to listen, learn and fully understand the business before helping to shape the next phase of Hydes’ success.”
Exceptionally firm financial footing
Hydes Brewery managing director Adam Mayers welcomed the appointment and paid tribute to the outgoing chairman: “I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Richard Lancaster for his immense contribution to Hydes over the years. His steady leadership and governance rigour provided crucial stability during a period of unprecedented industry disruption, leaving the company on an exceptionally firm financial footing.
“Peter is a very well-respected figure in the UK hospitality sector and brings an extraordinary wealth of operational and strategic expertise. His deep understanding of values-driven, independent businesses makes him the perfect fit for Hydes as we leverage our strong capital position to invest wisely, support our people, and deliver the high standards our customers expect.”
Established in 1863, Hydes operates an estate of 44 pubs across the north-west of England and north Wales, alongside its brewing facility in MediaCity and will continue to focus on its managed and tenanted pub estate while remaining committed to the long-term success of its brewing operations.
