Former Premier Inn boss John Forrest joins Greene King

Pub giant Greene King has hired former Premier Inn boss John Forrest as one of two key appointments at the firm.

Forrest has joined as chief operating officer for Greene King Retail, reporting to chief executive Rooney Anand.

Greene King Retail operates over 1,800 managed pubs.

Forrest's previous role was as chief operating officer of Whitbread hotel brand Premier Inn.

He will join in January with operational and profit responsibility for the combined Greene King and Spirit managed estate.

Meanwhile, Richard Lewis, currently managing director for Greene King Retail, will move to be Spirit integration director, replacing Jonathan Webster who will be retiring as planned in the New Year.

Webster joined Greene King in 2006 following the acquisition of Hardys and Hansons, where he was chief executive. Lewis will continue to report to Rooney Anand.

Greene King's £774m acquisition of Spirit Pub Company was one of the most high profile of the year in hospitality. Spirit Pub Company has 770 managed pubs, including the Chef & Brewer, Taylor Walker and Fayre & Square brands, while Greene King has 1,000 managed pubs and around 900 tenanted and leased pubs.

Premier Inn boss John Forrest departs Whitbread >>Greene King completes £774m Spirit Pub Company acquisition >>

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