Renaissance Pubs, the London-based gastro pub group founded by Nick Fox, Tom Peake and Mark Reynolds, has appointed Kate Lester as its first marketing director.

Lester, who spent over 11 years as associate director at Roche Communications, will oversee marketing and PR duties at the six-strong group.

The award-winning company opened its sixth site, the Rosendale in West Dulwich, last September. The opening of the Rosendale saw the group branch out from its Clapham heartland for the first time.

The company, opened its first venue in 2002, also operates the Stonhouse, the Bolingbroke, the Abbeville, the Avalon and the Tommyfield.