THE NEW MAN IN CHARGE AT BREWER
HE PLANS TO TAKE BUSINESS FORWARD AFTER COVID
PUBS group Marston’s, which has a brewery in Burton, has appointed a new chief executive.
Andrew Andrea, the firm’s former chief financial officer and corporate development officer, will replace outgoing CEO Ralph Findlay.
Mr Andrea has more than 23 years’ experience in the pub and brewing industry and has served on the Marston’s board since 2009.
Marston’s said the new chief executive, who joined the business in 2002, would be using his “extensive commercial and operational expertise” to drive the group forward.
Speaking of his new role, Mr Andrea said: “I am delighted to have been selected to lead Marston’s at such an exciting time as it embarks on the next phase in its history as a focused pub operator.
“Despite the challenges of the last year, I am confident that we have a great team of energised and engaged people to deliver our vision, and I look forward to working with them and the board to return the business to growth and optimise the future opportunities available to us.”
William Rucker, chairman of Marston’s PLC, said: “Andrew was the strongest contender from a selection of extremely high-calibre candidates under consideration and the unanimous choice of the board for the role of chief executive officer.
“He has clear drive, ambition and outstanding execution skills and these attributes, together with his deep knowledge of – and empathy for – the business will equip him well to lead Marston’s through the next stage of its development.
“The board has every confidence in him and looks forward to continuing to work closely with him in future.”
Mr Andrea will begin his role at Marston’s, whose main brewery is in Shobnall Road, Burton, and whose pubs arm is headquartered in Wolverhampton, with effect from October 3.
During his tenure with the company he pioneered the franchise agreement model, which is now widely adopted across the pub industry, and co-ordinated Marston’s move last year to take over the running of 156 S.A. Brains pubs in Wales.
Over the past year Marston’s also completed a merger with Carlsberg, valuing the pub group at £580 million, and rejected an unsolicited takeover bid from a US private equity firm.