Brewery and pub operator, SA Brain has confirmed the appointment of Alistair Darby as the new chief executive. He will take up the role from current chief executive Scott Waddington on July 31.
Darby brings with him a wealth of experience in the brewing and hospitality industry, having been chief executive of Mitchells & Butlers, chief operating officer of Marston’s and managing director of Camerons Brewery.
Darby will be tasked with the continued development and implementation of the company's business plan.
The announcement comes as the firm has reported a £12m fall in revenues and operating losses of nearly £4m for its last financial year to end of September, 2017.
During the period, it saw the scheduled loss of a £13m contract brewing deal with Heineken. And with the significant impact of an exceptional one off cost for the acquisition of its new head offices and brewing site, it posted operating losses of £3.9m. Revenues were down £12m to £123m.
The group opened 13 new Coffee#1 stores, which boosted sales to over £4m in a year when disposals of non-viable pubs resulted in reduced turnover in its pub estate.
Gross profit for the year was £15.2m, with the decline in contract brewing accounting for 65% of a £2.6m gross profit reduction, with the remainder being attributable to challenging trading conditions and increasing cost pressures.
However, in the current financial year, where drink sales are continuing to outperform food sales, it is expected to move back into operating profitability. Also, while the cold spell early this year affected its pub business, it has been buoyed by the current heatwave.
While still under review as a possible future option to sell, or part sell a stake in, Coffee#1 now accounts for around 20% of total group revenues, and is on target to reach the 100th outlet mark next year.