Tributes paid to former Liberation MD Marc McGuigan

Tributes have been paid to Marc McGuigan, the former managing director at Liberation Group, who has died following a “brave battle” with illness.

 

McGuigan had worked in the industry for over 30 years, having started at Whitbread, where he was based for more than 10 years.

 

He then became operations director for Greene King, where he oversaw the integration of the Old English Inns acquisition. After a short break from the business, he returned to the pub group in 2007, making his way up to business unit director over 12 years at the company.

 

In 2019, he joined Liberation Group as managing director of Butcombe Brewery and Distribution before being promoted to group managing director of the Liberation Group Brewing and Distribution business a year later.

 

In February this year, he announced he will be taking some time out to focus on his health and wellbeing.  

 

Jonathan Lawson, chief executive of Liberation Group, said: “We are incredibly sad this week to have lost our friend and colleague Marc McGuigan, following a brave battle, where he demonstrated characteristic determination and bravery.

 

“Following his arrival in July 2019, Marc made an immediate impact upon our business, leading a turnaround in the performance of Butcombe Brewing and Drinks before assuming responsibility for the entire Liberation Brewing and Drinks Business across the UK and Channel Islands. Marc then played a key role during one of our most exciting periods of growth, demonstrating the potential of a modern integrated pub and brewing business with growth driven in all channels.”

 

Lawson added: “Marc adapted incredibly well from his operations and retail background to the challenges of brewing and drinks. Key to this was his belief and focus in what the market and customer was looking for, which encouraged exciting innovation from the brewing teams with new beers such as Tall Tales and Goram Zero.

 

“Marc loved pubs, food and beer and the teams involved in this wonderful industry, frequently putting himself out to make sure people were looked after, developed and progressed.”

 

Liberation Group has a portfolio of over 135 pubs, bars and inns, stretching across South England and the Channel Islands.