City Pub Group has appointed Toby Smith as Chief Operating Officer, a newly created role.
Smith (pictured) is a very experienced and senior operator with over 25 years' experience in UK hospitality. He has held CEO roles with Stonegate Pub Company, Novus Leisure, and Town and City Pub Company. Prior to these, he also held senior roles at Laurel Pub Company, Spirit Group and Scottish and Newcastle Retail.
Smith's arrival sees Joint Managing Director, Alex Derrick's departure. The Board wishes to extend its thanks to Derrick for the considerable part he has played in the company's development from the outset.
Clive Watson, Executive Chairman, said, 'The challenges of COVID will also bring opportunity and we are seeking to position ourselves to take advantage of opportunities which undoubtedly will arise.
'The pub estate has been locked down far more effectively than the first time. All retail staff and a large number of Head Office staff are now on furlough. We intend to run our existing estate in the most efficient manner and our infrastructure is scalable for the next part of the journey when the pandemic is behind us.
'We welcome Toby to the business to accelerate the work that has been ongoing to achieve these goals. I and the Board look forward to working with him to build an even stronger, better business for the future.'