Pub operator Admiral Taverns has created the role of joint managing director for the first time reflecting its rapid growth.

Lynne D’Arcy, currently chief operating officer and Andy Clifford, property and strategy director, have been appointed to the role.

Gary Landesberg, chief executive at Admiral, said: “Admiral is now a large business with over 2,700 pubs in its estate. Both Lynne and Andy bring different skill sets to our business and work together exceptionally well.

“The business now requires a broad set of experience at the top to maximise the opportunity that both the market and our strategy has created.”

D’Arcy joined Admiral in 2004 after it purchased Burtonwood from Wolverhampton and Dudley (now Marston’s) where she was managing director.

Clifford was also acquired into Admiral after its 2006 purchase of 769 pubs from Enterprise Inns for £326m, where he worked as strategic planning and investment manager.

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By Christopher Walton

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