Laurel Pub Company appoints its first commercial director

Former JD Wetherspoon (JDW) director Suzanne Baker has joined the Laurel Pub Company in the newly-created role of commercial director.

Baker had been with JDW for 13 years, starting as catering development manager and working up to the role of purchasing director and then commercial director. She was a board member for eight years.

She becomes a board director and member of the executive committee at Laurel, which she has moved to six months after leaving JDW and after a "non-compete" clause in her contract expired.

At Laurel, she will be responsible for purchasing and procurement, marketing, food, property and "mood management" – a new term for creating atmosphere and ambience in the group’s bars through the use of such elements as design and music.

Baker’s goals at Laurel are to improve standards and service, beef up the promotional programme and grow food sales across the estate before the smoking ban comes into play next year.

Laurel, which was created in 2001 by Iranian property tycoon Robert Tchenguiz, is currently interviewing prospective chief executives following the departure four weeks ago of Julian Sargeson.

Laurel recently opened its 26th Ha Ha Bar & Canteen near Victoria tube station in London. The three-level venue, which can seat 250 across two floors and another 120 on the terrace, features a grand, industrial-style staircase, six-foot glass bead chandeliers and a back bar depicting an up-lit London skyline.

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By Angela Frewin

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