Heron & Brearley has announced the appointment of Ollie Neale as MD of Okell’s Inns, uniting the brewery’s 35 pubs with its brewing and wholesale operations.
The move, following Okell’s 175th anniversary, which was celebrated across its Isle of Man, Liverpool and Yorkshire sites.
A new managed operator model will be rolled out for smaller pubs, while a major capital expenditure plan will enhance larger heritage pubs with new bedrooms and premium food and drink offers.
Mark Crowther, Heron & Brearley’s Chairman, said: “I am delighted to see Ollie taking a wider remit to include our predominantly freehold pubs business. This is an exciting year for the company as we start to deliver on the new five year strategy.”
Ollie added: “It’s an exciting time to be bringing the pubs business back together with the brewing and brands of Okell’s, I am really proud to be leading the combined business going forward.”