Admiral appoints non-exec director to guide strategy

Pub company Admiral Taverns has made Simon Johnson (pictured), currently a director at global property firm CBRE, a non-executive director at the company.

Johnson, who brings experience of the leisure sector from his background as a leisure sector analyst, will work with the chairman and the senior executive team on the future strategic development of the group.

Admiral operates an estate of 1,600 tenanted and leased pubs. It is about to reach the end of a turnaround programme it entered after refinancing in 2009.

Jonathan Paveley, executive chairman, said: "We are extremely pleased to have secured the services of someone with Simon's experience and standing. He emerged from a shortlist of excellent candidates and is very highly regarded in both the leisure and property sectors. His contribution, and no doubt wise counsel, will be a huge asset to both myself and the board as we further develop and strengthen the Admiral Taverns business."

Before joining CBRE, Johnson spent 20 years working in the City following the leisure industry as first an analyst, then an investment banker and private banker at Kleinwort Benson, Credit Suisse and UBS. In that time he advised and represented a significant number of companies including Blackstone, Carlson Group, De Vere, Enterprise Inns, First Choice, Marston's and Travelodge.

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By Neil Gerrard

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