Marston's names Ken Lever as chair

Lever, 70, will replace William Rucker when he steps down next week, as well as becoming chair of the nomination committee.

Lever, who recently retired from the board of Vertu Motors, is currently chair of data company Cirata and senior independent director at investment trust Rockwood Strategic.

Throughout his executive career he has held a number of roles at UK listed companies, including chief executive of software business Xchanging.

Lever said: "I am enthused by the opportunity ahead.

"Marston’s is a quality business with strong market presence, and I am looking forward to working with the board, [chief executive] Justin [Platt] and the wider team to deliver sustainable growth that will drive value for our shareholders."

Platt, the former chief strategy officer at Merlin Entertainments, took over as chief executive in January, replacing previous incumbent Andrew Andrea.

Banking veteran Rucker announced earlier this year that he was stepping down after five years, to join FTSE 100 property group British Land.

Marston’s operates around 1,370 pubs as well as having a 40% stake in the Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, after it spun out its brewing business in 2020.

It currently employs around 10,000 people.

As at 1145 BST, shares in Marston’s were up 1% at 31.2p.