Ian Ronayne appointed MD of Admiral Taverns

Ian Ronayne has joined pub group Admiral Taverns as managing director following roles with Ei Group and Punch Taverns.

Ronayne previously held roles including managing director operations at Ei Group and operations director at Punch Taverns, as well as senior positions with Molson Coors. He succeeds operations director Andy Hodgson, who will be retiring in April following a 30-year career in the pub industry with seven years at Admiral Taverns.

Ronayne said: "I am delighted to be joining this progressive team during an exciting phase in the group's history."

David Wigham has also joined the group as interim commercial director, having previously been sales, marketing and development director at Punch Taverns.

Kevin Georgel, chief executive of Admiral Taverns, said: "On behalf of the entire team I would like to welcome Ian and David to the group. They bring with them a wealth of industry experience that will be invaluable as we continue to accelerate our ambitious growth plans, developing our position as the UK's leading operator of community pubs.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Andy Hodgson for his significant contribution to our business during what has been a transformational period for Admiral Taverns. We wish him the very best for a long and enjoyable retirement."

Admiral Taverns operates approximately 840 predominantly wet-led community pubs across the UK, including 111 that it acquired from Star Pubs & Bars in 2014.
The group was sold to investment fund Proprium Capital Partners and C&C Group by hedge fund Cerberus three months ago for £220m. Admiral also recently acquired a portfolio of 17 pubs from Heineken's Star Pubs & Bars business in partnership with G1 Group.

Admiral and G1 to acquire 29 Heineken pubs >>

Admiral Taverns sale completed >>

Admiral Taverns reports first ‘absolute growth' in eight years >>

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