London Town appoints new chief executive

Pub operator London Town today announced the appointment of Billy Buchanan in the combined roles as chief executive and chief financial officer.

Current chief executive, Richard Gundry, moves over to the role of development director, focusing on new business opportunities, while Ian Robinson, the executive chairman and finance director becomes non executive chairman.

Buchanan, 43, has worked in various financial and chief executive roles in the leisure sector since qualifying as a chartered accountant with KPMG in 1989.

London Town, which has 282 pubs, also announced that Nigel Le Quesne is to join the board as a non executive director with immediate effect, replacing David Beech who has resigned.

Ian Robinson, chairman of London Town said: "I am delighted to welcome Billy Buchanan to the board. He brings with him a great deal of business experience and I look forward to working with him in the future."

Alternative Investment Market listed London Town was previously a property developer but turned its focus to buying pubs in November 2006.

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By Daniel Thomas

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