The Board of Punch Taverns Plc is delighted to announce the appointment of Adrian Fawcett, aged 35, as Chief Operating Officer (“COO”), with effect from 18 August.

Adrian Fawcett is an experienced leisure industry operator.  He joins the Group from Interbrew where he was Corporate Vice President of the Belgian brewer, for the last year globally, responsible for business integration of both Interbrew’s operational businesses and the group’s M&A activity

Adrian spent six years at Bass Brewers from 1996 - 2001.  During this time he held a number of roles including Sales Director of Bass Take Home (off trade) (1996-1998); Brands Marketing Director for Bass Brewers (1998–1999) and Managing Director of Bass Independent On Trade (1999-2000), culminating in his position as Group Managing Director of Bass Brewers Operating Companies where he lead Bass’s UK operating companies through the period of its sale to Interbrew and the subsequent restructuring and divestment of Carling to Coors Brewers in 2002.  He was also instrumental in the creation and development of Barbox.com, the internet portal and business-building service for the hospitality industry.

Prior to this, Adrian held general management positions with both Mars Confectionary and Ford Motor Company.

Giles Thorley, Chief Executive of Punch Taverns, said;

“I am delighted to welcome Adrian to the Group.  Further strengthening our operational team remains an ongoing priority for Punch.  He brings with him an extensive range of sector experience, which not only complements the management’s existing expertise, but further cements our position as having one of the strongest teams in the sector.  Adrian’s industry knowledge will be invaluable to the Group as we continue the growth momentum which is now underway.”

Adrian Fawcett, commented:

“This is an exciting time to be joining the UK retail leisure sector and I am looking forward to having the opportunity to continue the commitment to customer focus which Punch has initiated.  Our retailers are our lifeblood and I see huge advantage from continued improvement of our service offered to them.”

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