Chairman of pub business parts ways with company
The chairman of the company which owns Butcombe Brewery is to step down after seven years in the role.
Richard Grainger is set to part ways with the Jersey based Liberation Group this summer.
Liberation owns more than 120 pubs in the south of the UK including a string of Butcombe Inns.
The Butcombe brand, which is based in North Somerset, is one of the best known in the South West.
Mr Grainger said the time now feels right to leave the business which is backed by investment firm Caledonia.
He “It has been an immense pleasure to chair such a vibrant and exciting business and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the board, Jonathan and the rest of the executive team.
“We have successfully come through the challenges posed by the pandemic as a fitter, stronger and larger business and placed ourselves in the best position possible to be one of the winners in this sector.”
Chief executive Jonathan Lawson said: “I would like to personally thank Richard for his guidance and counsel over the last four and a half years which has always been appreciated and valued. He leaves us in a strong position to progress and achieve our ambitions as a business and team.”
Tom Leader, head of Caledonia Private Capital said: “On behalf of Caledonia I would like to thank Richard, for his calm and assured leadership since we acquired the group in 2016, including the appointment of Jonathan as CEO in 2019 and steering the business through the immensely challenging years of the pandemic.
“We look forward to the next few years with significant optimism and Richard’s work has ensured that his successor starts in a very positive position.”
After 25 years working in Corporate Finance Richard started taking on board roles and has chaired numerous companies – both public and private.
He joined the board of Liberation in 2016. He is married to Miranda and lives in Sussex and has four adult daughters.
