Oakman Inns & Restaurants has appointed a prominent industry figure, Dermot King, as Chief Operating Officer of the fast-expanding pub group.
Currently a Director of Bourne Leisure – the £1bn turnover leisure company – and Managing Director of the iconic Butlins holiday business, Dermot will join Oakman Inns in January 2019.
Peter Borg-Neal, CEO and Founder, commented, “Some months ago, it became clear that to myself and my executive directors (Joseph Evans, CFO, Alex Ford, Operations Director and Jill Scatchard, HR Director) that we were about to become far busier.
'We had a clear understanding of the challenges posed by our planned rate of expansion as well as the further opportunities that were presenting themselves and we had secured a solid asset-based investment platform.'
Borg-Neal continued, “With that vision and breadth of ambition, we felt the time was right to find someone who had the same level of customer focus as our team and who would understand our community and corporate ethos. We wanted someone who not only spoke our language, but who would also bring something fresh to the table.
“I first met Dermot in November 2015 when he was the guest speaker at an industry Directors’ dinner. I was incredibly impressed by his clarity of thought, his energy and, of course, his remarkable track record.'
Borg-Neal finsihed, 'Once the decision had been taken to find a COO – Dermot was our first choice. We have had long discussions, and Dermot has run his critical eye over the business and I am delighted to say, he has agreed to join the business in this significant step on our ongoing journey.”