RedCat pub company appoints Richard Lewis as CEO

RedCat pub company has appointed former Greene King chief operating officer Richard Lewis as CEO.

The move follows the announcement that Coaching Inn Group founder and CEO Kevin Charity will retire in March. RedCat, an investment vehicle founded and chaired by former Greene King CEO Rooney Anand, acquired the Coaching Inn Group in 2021 and has since doubled the size of its portfolio from 18 to 35 sites.

Charity said: “It’s hard to believe 28 years have passed since founding the Coaching Inn Group, as I step down as CEO.

“I am grateful to have had the privilege of leading this great team and I am immensely proud of how far we have come together. I would like to thank RedCat for the support and backing given to me, helping us to enable the growth of the Coaching Inn Group into the high-quality portfolio it is today.

“As I hand over the reins, I am very confident that Richard, and the wider team will forge an exciting future for both the Coaching Inn Group and RedCat Pub Company.”

In his new role Lewis, who joined RedCat in October 2023, will oversee all the group’s managed, leased and tenanted pubs as well as the Coaching Inn Group.

Chairman of RedCat Anand added: “I would like to express my sincere thanks for all the help and support Kevin has given the team since RedCat acquired Coaching Inn Group. Kevin has built an outstanding team and a compelling culture that delivers a customer service and experience second to none.

“Kevin's passion and entrepreneurial spirit have been instrumental in shaping the Coaching Inn Group into the thriving and winning business it is today. He leaves with our admiration, collective thanks, and sincere best wishes for the next chapter. I would also like to congratulate Richard on his appointment to the role of CEO of the group. He’s made a terrific impact since joining us and I know he will continue to drive momentum and success across Coaching Inn Group and RedCat.”