Leading pub company, Punch Taverns, has bolstered its commercial department with the appointment of a highly respected industry figure as the new director of contracts and purchasing.

John Healy, 46, joins the leased and tenanted pub operator with more than 20 years’ experience in the licensed trade. 

Prior to joining Punch, he was commercial manager for Inn Partnership and then joined Pubmaster to head up the commercial dept with responsibility for purchasing, distribution, customer services and the telesales operation.

In his new role, John will be primarily responsible for negotiating brand supply deals and major contracts.  He will also handle the legal requirements relating to supplier contracts.

He said: “In a relatively short period of time, Punch has proven itself to be the industry’s most progressive and dynamic operator and I am very much looking forward to using my skills and experience to help continue driving the business forward.”

John’s arrival at Punch is the first key operational appointment following the recent merger of the two businesses as part of an ongoing strategy to retain and promote talented individuals from within both Punch and Pubmaster.

Commenting on John’s appointment, Punch Taverns chief executive, Giles Thorley, said: “John’s experience exactly fits the criteria of this role. 

“He brings a wealth of administrative and contractual knowledge to our business, which will be invaluable as we set up new contracts.”

Ends