Punch announces new Laine Pub Company MD

Punch Pubs & Co has announced that Russell Danks will take over as the new MD of its Laine Pub Company division, replacing Dan Hills at the helm. 

Danks, who moves up from his marketing and strategy director position, recently returned from a six-month sabbatical, while Hills has decided to end his 24-year stint at Laine's. 

"Dan has played an integral part in creating the amazing company Laine is today," says ​Laine's CEO Gavin George. "Having started with us in pub operations and progressing through senior management roles to managing director of the pub business, Dan has been instrumental in the creation of market-leading pub experiences and has made an unprecedented contribution to the culture and DNA of the Laine business. I am hugely grateful to Dan for his passion and dedication over the years; I know he will go on to do more great things in this industry."

Hills will remain with the Laine business to work with Danks on a smooth transition, following which he plans to take time out to travel before returning to the UK to continue his career in hospitality. 

Russell Danks is Laine's new MD

Punch CEO Clive Chesser says that Danks has been a real force for positive change at the business.

"I am proud to support his move into the next stage of his career journey," he says. "Russell will be a huge asset to the Laine business, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with him, Gavin and the wider team."

More exec team changes

Punch has also announced that HR director Jackie Burn, who has been a part of the team for 18 years, will leave after deciding to take a career break to spend more time with her family.

Laura Cavendish, who has worked within the People Team at Punch for 15 years, has been promoted into the role.

"Jackie has been hugely instrumental in building and nurturing our brilliantly positive culture, creating a safe and welcoming workplace where people's development and progression are a priority – a legacy to be truly proud of," adds Chesser.

"I am also delighted to confirm Laura's promotion. Her progression through the Punch business is fantastic and a testament to her hard work and passion for people and pubs. Laura is truly embedded in our business and culture, and I know she will continue to build on Jackie's excellent work in leading our people agenda."

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