Punch Taverns has promoted Neil Griffiths from estates director (south) to property and strategy director.

He will take over from Peter Brook, formerly chief executive of InnSpired, which Punch acquired in September 2004.  Peter has spent the last six months helping to successfully integrate both businesses and has played a pivotal role in consolidating property processes across Punch’s 7,800 strong estate.  

Having completed the challenges, he is now handing over the mantle to Neil, 44, who also has a wealth of property and commercial experience. 

Neil joined Punch in 2001 and has been a key player in building the company’s industry leading acquisitions team.  

He was previously with Warner Brothers where he was international property director responsible for pan-European cinema development.   Prior to that, he held senior positions with Bass plc including head of property as well as commercial director for Bass Leisure Entertainments.

Punch Taverns chief executive Giles Thorley said: “Peter has been invaluable to Punch by advising us on the selection and integration of those pubs within the InnSpired estate that we retained.
  
“Now this work has been successfully completed, Peter is handing over to Neil who has also made a considerable contribution to our property division since joining Punch three years ago.  The Board wishes them both the very best in their future roles.”

Neil, who will take on his responsibilities from June 2005, added: “I am delighted that I will be able to continue to build on the success of Punch’s property team.  The company is in a very strong position and we will continue to seek opportunities to grow the business through acquisitions.  I look forward to having a key role in delivering that strategy.”

Burton based Punch Taverns is one of the UK’s leading leased and tenanted pub companies with 7,800 properties nationwide.  

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