Oakman Group appoints new CFO

The Oakman Group has today announced the appointment of Tarquin Williams as chief financial officer.

Williams was formerly CFO of the City Pub Group, where he managed the business’s listing on the AIM market through an initial public offering (IPO) and oversaw the company through the pandemic. Before that, he was a Fullers Inns retail board member, managing financial oversight of the retail operation. More recently, he has been acting as interim CFO for Cirrus Inns to oversee its merger with the Liberation Group.

Oakman chief executive Peter Borg-Neal said: “I am very pleased to announce that Tarquin has joined us as CFO today. He inherits a post which is responsible for a turnover of approximately £72m from an operational estate of 40 pubs with a great reputation on so many fronts. Tarquin has an excellent track record in our sector, having cut his teeth with Fullers before leading the successful City Pub Group IPO. His appointment reflects our bold business ambition, and I look forward to working with Tarquin in the coming years.”

Williams said: "I am delighted to be joining Peter, Dermot and the team at the Oakman Group and look forward to continuing their great work in building a first-class estate of inns and restaurants across England. The group is well positioned to navigate the current challenges facing the hospitality industry and to take advantage of opportunities as the trading environment continues to improve."

The Oakman Group announced a board restructure earlier this month following the departure of finance director Koula Achillea. The reshuffle saw Borg-Neal return to the position of chief executive, while Dermot King, who was promoted from chief operating officer to chief executive last year, took charge of the finance team on an interim basis.

Oakman Group, founded by Borg-Neal, opened its first pub, the Akeman in Tring, in 2007. It now operates 40 rural and suburban pubs and hotels across England and employs more than 1,600 people.