M&B announce new chief executive
BIRMINGHAM-based pubco Mitchells & Butlers has announced its new Chief Executive Officer. Phil Urban will take up the role with effect from September 27.
Urban joined M&B in January 2015 as Chief Operating Officer, and has wide experience of the hospitality and leisure sector having previously been managing director at Grosvenor Casinos, a division of Rank Group and chairman of the National Casino Forum. Prior to that, he was managing director for Whitbread’s Pub Restaurant division, and for Scottish and Newcastle Retail’s Restaurants and Accommodation Division.
As a consequence of the appointment, Alistair Darby will relinquish his position as CEO on September 26 and will retire from the board and leave the company on that date.
Bob Ivell, M&B’s non-executive chairman, said: “The non-executive directors have considered the issue of the leadership of M&B very carefully and are delighted to announce Phil’s appointment. Phil is a strong leader with industry experience and a proven track record of operational delivery, who we are confident will build on the progress made under Alistair.
“The board recognises the significant contribution made by Alistair as Chief Executive over the past three years, is grateful to him for bringing the business to a stronger position and wishes him well in the future.”
Urban said: “Having worked in the business since the start of the year I have seen at first hand the exciting potential of the people, brands and estate of M&B and look forward to leading the business to further growth whilst meeting the challenges ahead.”
In a pre-close trading update the company said its total sales growth for the first 50 weeks of the year was 7%, with like-for-like sales growth of 1%. Food sales were up 2.1% over the period but drink sales declined 0.3%.
It said the UK eating and drinking out market had been subdued in the summer leading to a slight slowdown in the rate of sales growth, exacerbated by the wet weather. Despite this slow market seen in the past weeks, the company said it was continuing with its plans to reposition and enhance the business, focusing on offering quality guest experiences at great value. It said it remained confident in its ability to meet the challenges of high consumer expectations and forthcoming cost pressures.
So far this financial year the company has opened 14 new sites and converted 48 sites. This includes 38 conversions of Orchid sites to core M&B brands – notably Toby Carvery, Ember Inns, Miller & Carter and Harvester – returns from which have been strong.
It said this programme would continue into next year with a further 40 conversions and the remainder of the sites integrated into the Heartland estate.
Overall, it said it expected results for the year to September 26, 2015 to show growth on last year but on the basis of this recent trading, to be at the bottom end of current market expectations.
