Gavin George steps down as Laine CEO

Gavin George, the chief executive officer of Laine Pub Company, is set to step down from his role in order to take on a non-executive director position with owner Punch Pubs & Co.

George (pictured), who founded Laine in 1997 with Peter Bennett, will continue to work with Laine management on strategic issues and direction, while advising the wider Punch group on the development of propositions that reflect the evolving needs and desires of the pub-going consumer. He will also remain a shareholder of the Punch business.

"I have had the most amazing 27 years, leading a wonderfully progressive business with incredible pubs, teams and customers," says George. I’m grateful to everyone who has played a part in Laine’s success and for supporting me through the good times and the challenging. 

"I’d particularly like to thank all the managers and staff of the myriad pubs, clubs, bars and breweries we have operated over the years, for their creativity, energy and resilience, more recently in the face of significant challenges such as a pandemic, wars and economic turmoil. I’d also like to pay tribute to the people of Brighton & Hove - the city of Laine’s birth - whose constancy from day one, and unique outlook on the world have been the inspiration and facilitator for much of what Laine has achieved."

Laine reshuffle

Effective from late-September Russell Danks, who joined as managing director of Laine’s pub business last year, will lead the management of the Laine division. 

Danks will be supported by Martin Entwistle, who heads up Laine’s brewing business.

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