Punch Pubs swaps Clive Chesser for Andy Spencer as CEO

Punch Pubs & Co’s chief operating officer Andy Spencer is stepping up to become chief executive, replacing Clive Chesser.

Spencer will succeed Chesser on 27 September, with the latter moving to the Pure Gym Group as CEO, following six years in the same role at the pub group.

Spencer has more than 20 years’ experience in the pub sector, holding senior roles at Greene King, Brewhouse & Kitchen and Allied Domecq before joining Punch more than five years ago.

He and the Punch executive intend to build on the group’s strong financial performance, with continued sales and profit growth generated by its expanding management partnerships business, from recent acquisitions including 24 pubs from the Milton Three pub group and ongoing investment in its leased and tenanted estate.

Spencer said: “We have a strong foundation and a hugely talented team, and I am excited to continue building on the momentum we have established under Clive’s stewardship. Local pubs are the backbone of communities up and down the country, and I’m looking forward to leading the Punch team to support our inspirational publicans and partners.”

Chesser said: “It has been a huge privilege to lead the Punch business for the past six years, and to work with so many talented and inspirational colleagues in an industry which I love.

“I will always be proud of the progressive steps that we have made during my tenure, and of our achievements as a business. I would like to thank every member of the Punch team for their positivity and passion, along with the partnership of our supportive owners, Fortress Investment Group.”

Having worked with Spencer in two business over the past 15 years, Chesser said he “could not be handing over to a stronger successor”, and added: “Together they will take this great company forward to the next stage of its exciting journey.”

Domnall Tait, managing director at Fortress Investment Group, said the pub group’s parent company is confident Spencer is “the right person to lead Punch into its next stage of growth”.

“We would also like to thank Clive for his expert leadership and significant contribution to Punch’s success over the past six years. Clive has overseen the evolution of Punch into a modern and progressive pub company and leaves it in excellent health,” said Tait.

Punch, which operates 1,300 pubs across the UK, was acquired by US-based investor Fortress, which is owned by Japan’s SoftBank, for an undisclosed sum in December 2021.

In November last year, the pub group also appointed three strategic advisors to the board, including Dame Karen Jones, current non-executive director of Whitbread and Mowgli.

Pictured: Andy Spencer (left) and Clive Chesser