Robert Walker is new Enterprise Inns chairman

Enterprise Inns has appointed Robert Walker to succeed Hubert Reid as its chairman.

Walker will join the board as a non-executive director and chairman designate today and will assume the role of chairman on 31 March.

Walker is currently chairman of Travis Perkins and Americana International Holdings and senior independent director of Tate & Lyle. He was previously chairman of WHSmith, Williams Lea Group and BCA Europe.

Commenting on the appointment, Enterprise Inns chief executive Ted Tuppen said: "I am very pleased that we have secured the appointment of Robert Walker who has a wealth of experience and a strong track record of leading successful businesses. I am looking forward to working with Robert as the group continues to move ahead.

"I wish to thank Hubert Reid for his contribution to our business over the last 15 years. The board has benefited greatly from his leadership, experience and wise counsel and we wish him well for the future."

Meanwhile Enterprise Inns has reported a good start to the year in difficult trading conditions.

The group said that in the 18 weeks to 4 February like-for-like income per pub in the substantive estate, which represents 95% of total pub income, was 1% ahead of the same period last year, with the entire estate down less than 2%.

Enterprise Inns added that it estimates that total proceeds from its programme of asset disposals will be between £150m and £200m for the current financial year.

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By Kerstin Kühn

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