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Heron and Brearley appoint new chairman

Crowther served as CEO of the Liberation Group in the Channel Islands for 11 years

Island pub chain Heron and Brearley has appointed a new chairman to its board.

Mark Crowther brings 'over 30 years’ food, drink, and hospitality experience' to the role.
Within his current portfolio of board roles is his chairmanship of London based Portobello Pub Co backed by Zetland Capital, and Midlands based Pub People backed by Downing LLP.
He has previously been chief executive of the Liberation Group in the Channel Islands for 11 years.
Mr Crowther replaces outgoing chairman, Christopher Smith, who is stepping down from the board.
Speaking on behalf of the Heron and Brearley Group board, Danny Hall, CFO, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Crowther as our new chairman.  In keeping with the Group’s commitment to enhance its board, Mark’s appointment brings significant leadership experience, particularly in the hospitality sector and in Island-based businesses, to the Group.”

Mark Crowther added: “Heron and Brearley is a diverse business with a storied history and a unique place in the Isle of Man community. The Group is poised for an exciting next phase and I am looking forward to supporting the team in taking the business forward.

"As British crown dependencies, I think it’s fair to say Isle of Man and Channel Islands businesses experience similar challenges and opportunities. I was already very familiar with Heron and Brearley as a peer in the hospitality sector."

"I have devoted my career to pub and brewing culture and I’m looking forward to spending time with many of Heron and Brearley’s individual venues and businesses in the coming months. 

"The Group has an impressive platform on which to build with its vertically integrated business. 

"At the heart of this is Okell’s, an award-winning brewery, which is about to celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2025. That is a great catalyst for the whole group, and I am looking forward to hitting the ground running!”

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