City Pub Group appoints Toby Smith as COO

City Pub Group has appointed Toby Smith into the newly created role of chief operating officer.

Smith has more than 25 years’ experience in UK hospitality, and has previously held CEO roles with Stonegate Pub Company, Novus Leisure and Town and City Pub Company.

Most recently he led Coffeesmiths Collective.

In light of the current trading conditions, Alex Derrick, joint managing director, by mutual agreement, will leave the company.

The board extended its thanks to Derrick for the considerable part he has played in the company’s development from the outset and wishes him all the best for the future.

Clive Watson, executive chairman of City Pub Company, said: ‘’The challenges of covid will also bring opportunity and we are seeking to position ourselves to take advantage of opportunities which undoubtedly will arise.

“The pub estate has been locked down far more effectively than the first time. All retail staff and a large number of head office staff are now on furlough. We intend to run our existing estate in the most efficient manner and our infrastructure is scalable for the next part of the journey when the pandemic is behind us.

“We welcome Toby to the business to accelerate the work that has been ongoing to achieve these goals. I and the Board look forward to working with him to build an even stronger, better business for the future.”