Simon Dodd appointed CEO of Young's as Patrick Dardis steps down

Young's has announced that Simon Dodd (pictured) will take over from Patrick Dardis as chief executive of the London and south of England-based pub group on 5 July.

Dodd, currently chief operating officer for the company, joined Young's three years ago with succession planning in mind.

Dardis will remain on the board until his retirement at the end of September.

Dodd's experience in the pub and brewing sector includes positions as operations director and then managing director at Fuller, Smith & Turner and commercial officer and then chief operating officer at Orchid Pub Company. At Young's he is responsible for the group's managed house operations, marketing, food and social responsibility.

Dardis has spent 20 years at Young's, the last six as chief executive. He said: "Now is the right time to hand over the reins to Simon and the rest of the team at Young's. I leave behind a great business, in good shape, with a very talented team. It has been a privilege to lead a business with so many fantastic people in it."

Steve Goodyear, chairman of the company, added: "I have really enjoyed working with Patrick over the last 20 years. He has worked very effectively and with great energy and passion for the business."

Young's currently has a portfolio of more than 200 pubs.