Wells & Co has appointed George as a non-executive director, while south-west operator Chickpea Group named him as chair last week.
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George has more than 30 years’ hospitality leadership experience, having co-founded and led Laine Pub & Brewing Company, building the business to more than 60 sites across Brighton, London and Birmingham, alongside a 20,000-hectolitre brewery.
He stepped down as chief executive in 2024 and has since focused on advisory and non-executive roles across the sector.
Growth plans
At Wells & Co, George will work with the board and leadership team as the family-owned pub and brewing business continues to evolve its pub estate, invest in its offer and strengthen its position in the market.
Wells & Co chief executive Peter Wells said: “I am delighted to welcome Gavin to Wells & Co.
“He is one of the most respected figures in the hospitality industry, with a proven track record of building successful pub businesses, developing strong teams and delivering outstanding customer experiences. As we continue to evolve and invest in our business, Gavin’s experience, insight and fresh perspective will be invaluable.”
At Chickpea Group, George will work with co-founders Ethan and Jordan Davids and Tommy Tullis to support the company’s next stage of growth across its rural pub estate in the south-west.
Chickpea said the appointment came as the group looked to “reimagine rural hospitality” by reinvigorating rural assets and developing its teams.
Guest experience
George said Wells & Co combined “a proud heritage with a clear desire to innovate”.
He added: “As Wells & Co continues to deliver against its growth plans, there is a significant opportunity to build on that strong foundation while remaining focused on the guest experience that sits at the heart of successful pub businesses.”
Speaking about his role at Chickpea, George said he had worked with the business over the past year to understand its “vision and values”.
He added: “I’m consistently impressed by the tenacity, creativity and empathy that Ethan and his team display in their approach to everything they do, and I’m delighted to have been appointed chair of his extraordinary business to support, guide and ensure excellence in execution during what will be a period of significant growth.”
Chickpea co-founder and chief executive Ethan Davids described George’s appointment as chair as a “huge milestone” for the business as it prepares for its next period of growth.
