Former PizzaExpress chief joins Greene King

Former PizzaExpress managing director Zoe Bowley will join brewer and pub company Greene King on a nine-month contract to run its Crafted and Metropolitan pub arms.

The appointment follows the departure of Michael Horan, former managing director of Greene King’s Metropolitan Pub Company (Metro), who has stepped down to pursue new interests following successful treatment for cancer.

Horan had joined the business in 2018 and led Metro for four years, acquiring key sites including the Fountain House in Manchester and the Ubiquitous Chip in Glasgow.

Wayne Shurvinton, managing director for Greene King Partnerships and Ventures, said: "Michael has played an important role in developing Metro and its quality pub portfolio and I'd like to thank him on behalf of us all at Greene King."

Bowley left PizzaExpress in January after 12 years with the casual dining business. She had previously held operations roles as Whitbread and WeightWatchers. She will join Greene King from Monday 16 October.

Shurvinton added: "We are looking forward to welcoming Zoe to the team as we look to take Metro to the next stage of its development."