Pub and hotel operator Fuller, Smith and Turner has formally appointed James Douglas as finance director from 1 January, replacing Paul Clarke.

Fullers said in August that they had secured the services of Douglas from telecoms operator Fibernet Group.

Since 10 September he has served on the Fuller’s board as Clarke’s designated successor.

Clarke will retire at the end of April 2008 after almost 17 years with the company.

He joined Fuller’s as finance director in July 1991 and has seen the group float on the stock exchange in 1996 and acquire George Gale & Co in 2005.

He will remain on the board until the end of April as estates manager.

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By Christopher Walton

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