Henry Fairbanks will join the business next month as innovations operations director, while Sarah Edmunds has been promoted to operations director for the Midlands.
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Fairbanks joins Punch with experience across Heineken, Metropolitan Pub Company, Ei Group and Chestnut. Most recently, he was director of acquisitions & wholesale at Chestnut.
In his new role, he will focus on developing new operational approaches and growth opportunities across the leased and tenanted estate.
Edmunds has been promoted from head of operations within Punch’s Pub Partnerships division, having spent nine years with the business.
Operational support
Punch said the changes formed part of its continued focus on strengthening operational leadership and building momentum across its pub estate.
The appointments follow a wider reshaping of Punch’s leadership team over the past year. In September 2025, Robin Belither was promoted to managing director, leading both the leased and tenanted and management partnerships divisions, while Steve Worrall was appointed group projects director.
Earlier this year, Punch also appointed Matt Ward as chief financial officer, with Steve Dando moving into the newly created role of chief financial strategist as part of the group’s long term financial planning.
The changes come as Punch continues to grow through investment and acquisitions, including a series of pub purchases from RedCat Hospitality over the past year.
Punch Pubs managing director Robin Belither said: “Henry joins us with an impressive track record across some of the UK’s leading pub businesses. Working closely with our publicans and operations teams, he’ll focus on tackling the real world challenges facing the Great British pub at a grassroots level.
“Drawing on insights from a range of operating models, he’ll help develop, test and trial new approaches that support our publicans, strengthen performance and address the issues that matter most in local communities.”
Belither said Edmunds had played a key role in shaping the partnership values within Punch’s Pub Partnerships division.
He added: “Together, Sarah and Henry add significant strength to our leadership team as we continue evolving our offer, enhancing support for our publicans and delivering on our ambition to be the UK’s 5 Star Pub Company.”
Growth opportunities
Fairbanks said Punch had built a strong reputation for partnership, investment and supporting entrepreneurial operators.
He added: “I’m excited to be joining the business at such a positive time and look forward to working with colleagues to identify new opportunities, drive innovation and help create even greater value for publicans and guests alike.”
Edmunds said she was “incredibly proud” to take on the new role.
She added: “Having spent many years working alongside fantastic colleagues and operators, I know the strength of the Punch model and the passion that exists throughout the organisation. I’m looking forward to supporting our publicans, building on the strong foundations already in place and helping them achieve long term success.”
