M&B says search for new chief executive progresses well

BIRMINGHAM pubco Mitchells & Butlers has said its search for a new chief executive and a number of non-executive directors in progressing well.

The announcement follows the decision last year by Jeremy Blood to steps down from the head role. Mr Blood was only appointed to the interim post last March following the departure of chief executive Adam Fowle after two years in situ.

In an effort to shore-up the board, the Harvester, Toby Carvery and Vintage Inns owner has announced it is taking on the finance director of a racehorse breeder as a new non executive director with immediate effect.

Edward Irwin is a representative of Elpida Ltd, a significant shareholder in M&B and FD of Coolmore, a leading thoroughbred bloodstock breeder with operations in Ireland, the United States and Australia.
 
Bob Ivell, M&B chairman, said: “I am pleased to welcome Mr Irwin to the board and we look forward to working with him to continue to drive the performance of the business forward.  

“Elpida is a supportive shareholder and we are confident that having Mr Irwin on the board will be both positive and constructive.  Our search for both a new chief executive and for independent non-executive directors is progressing well.”