Russell Danks steps down as Laine MD

Russell Danks has announced that he is stepping down as managing director of Laine, reuniting with former Punch Pubs boss Clive Chesser at health business Pure Gym. 

Punch announced Danks (pictured) as the new MD of its Laine Pub Company division back in April 2023, promoting him from his marketing and strategy director position.

"Russ has been an enormous part of Punch’s journey over the past seven years," says Punch Pubs & Co CEO Andy Spencer. "His creativity, energy and ability to bring people together have helped shape who we are today. 

"From being the architect of our much loved Pineapple to leading Laine with passion and purpose, Russ leaves a legacy that will be felt across the business for years to come. His leadership during the Covid period in particular, ensuring our people were informed, connected and supported through constant change, was truly outstanding.

"We are incredibly grateful for everything Russ has brought to Punch, and we wish him every success in his next chapter. He leaves with our thanks, our respect and our very best wishes for the future."

Punch's head of stratgey and finance Sam Barnard will take interim responsibility for leading the Laine business whilst Danks’ successor is recruited.

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