Amber Taverns has named Mark Brooke as its new Chief Executive Officer.
He is set to join the company in mid-August, bringing with him four years of experience as Managing Director of Proper Pubs at Admiral Taverns.
Brooke also brings extensive industry experience, having held senior operational roles at Hawthorn Leisure and Ei Group/Stonegate Pub Company between 2011 and 2020.
Admiral Taverns, which operates 182 freehold wet-led pubs across the UK, will see its current CEO and founder, James Baer, transition into the role of chairman.
The group primarily operates in the North of England, the Midlands, Scotland, and Wales, but is steadily expanding its presence in the South, with new sites secured in Bedford, Cheltenham, Stroud, and Gosport.
Its consistent growth has been driven by a focus on delivering premium live sports coverage and entertainment offerings, including live music, karaoke, and activities like interactive darts.
In October, the pub group was acquired by private equity firm Epiris, which also backs the Big Table Group.
Baer said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark on board as CEO. Mark successfully developed the operator managed divisions of both Hawthorn and Admiral Taverns which has equipped him with a deep understanding of, and commitment to, our model. This, together with his passion for people and community, made him the standout candidate for the role.
“I very much look forward to working with Mark as we continue to grow and evolve the business ensuring that, with the continued support of Epiris, we remain at the very forefront of operator managed businesses.”
Brooke said: “As a long-term admirer of what James and the Amber Taverns team have achieved over the years, it was an easy decision to make when the opportunity to lead this great business came along.
“Community pubs are in my DNA and I am really excited about what the future holds. With the support of the team, the board and investors, I look forward to building on Amber’s success to date, growing and evolving the business in the next phase of its development.”
