Chief strategy officer of Merlin Entertainments Justin Platt has been appointed as chief executive of Marston's following the departure of Andrew Andrea.

Andrea has been at Marston's for the past 20 years, guiding the business through the pandemic and more recent challenging macroeconomic pressures. He will step down with immediate effect and Platt will join the company on 10 January 2024, with chair of Marston's, William Rucker, supporting in the interim.

Platt has 30 years of experience in hospitality and consumer-facing businesses, having spent the last 12 years at Merlin Entertainments as chief strategy officer and prior to that in a number of operational leadership roles.

Rucker said Platt's 'broad consumer sector expertise, strategic acumen and prowess in customer experience' would be of great value to the business.

'Andrew has worked for the company for over 20 years and the board thanks him for his valuable contribution, particularly in recent times, which has been one of the most challenging for our sector. He leaves with our very best wishes,' added Rucker.

Andrea said: 'I am extremely proud to have navigated Marston's out of the pandemic as a focused pub business and put in place a first-class management team who are achieving market outperformance. This is the right time for me to step down and I am confident the business is in great shape with strong future potential. I wish William, Justin and the whole team continued success in the future.'

Justin Platt added: 'I am delighted to be joining Marston's. The company has massive potential and a passionate and talented team. I am really looking forward to working with the board and the management team to deliver the sustainable business growth that will drive value for our shareholders.'