More boardroom upheaval at M&B

THE interim chief executive of Birmingham-based pubco Mitchells and Butlers is stepping down while the firm has appointed a new executive chairman.

Jeremy Blood was appointed to the interim post in March following the departure of chief executive Adam Fowle after two years in situ.

Today’s announcement confirms recent reports he would be leaving following the collapse of the takeover bid by Piedmont, the firm’s biggest shareholder.

Bob Ivell steps up to the post of executive chairman, having been interim non-executive chairman since July following the departure of Simon Burke after just five months in the role.

Mr Ivell has nearly 40 years of experience within the food and beverage sector and has worked for Whitbread, S&N and The Restaurant Group.

He is now leading the search for a new chief executive with Mr Blood staying on for a short handover period.

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In addition, Doug Evans, general counsel and company secretary, has been appointed to the M&B board. He joined the firm in January.

M&B said today it also planned to strengthen the board with more non-executive director appointments.

Mr Ivell said: “The board and I would like to thank Jeremy for his contribution to the business since he joined in January 2010 and in particular for the leadership he has provided over the last seven months whilst assuming the role of interim chief executive.”

M&B’s final results are due on November 22.