Former Ei Group chief executive Simon Townsend has joined Adnams as a non-executive director.
He was with the FTSE-listed, 4,000-strong Ei, formerly Enterprise Inns, for 21 years.
Six years of these were as CEO, before leaving when Stonegate and its backers TDR Capital acquired the tenanted pub company.
Townsend will become a member of the audit committee and join the remuneration committee with a view to taking on the chairmanship of that committee post completion of the company’s non-executive director induction process.
He is also currently a non-executive director of Côte Restaurants and was previously a non-executive director of Countryside Partnerships Plc.
During a 35-year career covering sales, marketing, commercial and operational roles, he has also worked at Whitbread, Allied Domecq, The Rank Group and Marston’s.
Suffolk-based brewer, distiller and pub operator Adnams has an estate of 12 sites.
Former non-executive director Bridget McIntyre MBE has stepped down after nine years with the company.
In its latest accounts for 2021, the company posted turnover up 13% to £57.3m. Adnams made EBITDA of £2.5m, and an operating loss of £898,000.
Dr Andy Wood OBE DL, chief executive of Adnams, said: “I am delighted that Simon has agreed to join the Adnams Board at this exciting time for the company. He brings to the board wide ranging sector experience and a broad range of skills in business leadership, strategic planning, organisational development and a focus on the customer. Simon’s experience will be invaluable to the company as we embark on the next stage of our journey.”
Simon Townsend said: “I have admired the Adnams business for a long time and am delighted to be joining the board at such an exciting time for the company and to have the opportunity to be part of the company’s future, its culture and values going forward.”
