Punch Taverns is strengthening its operations division with the internal appointment of Deborah Kemp as operations director. 

In addition, Peter Brook, the chief executive of InnSpired, which was acquired by Punch earlier this year, will take up the position of property and strategy director.

Punch Taverns’ chief executive, Giles Thorley, said: “Punch has more than doubled its estate in the last 18 months and in order to maintain our high levels of retailer service and profitability we need to strengthen our operations division. 

“We plan to invest £50 million in pub refurbishments and £100 million in acquisitions during 2005 and Deborah’s strategic and operations experience will build on the existing expertise of operations directors Bill Walker and Andrew Thompson. 

“I am also delighted that Peter will be joining our senior management structure and believe he will be a great asset to the business, building on the excellent work of Deborah and the property team.”