Mark McQuater to leave Barracuda

Mark McQuater is to leave pub company Barracuda after 12 years as chief executive.

He will be replaced by Roger Moxham, who has had a 25-year career at Mitchells & Butlers and was most recently managing director of town centre, value and emerging concepts.

A spokesman for the company said it was McQuater's decision to leave the 198-strong pub company, and that he had had a hand in appointing his successor.

In a statement to staff, McQuater said: "It has been an exciting and rewarding time for all of us having driven a high-growth business since 2000. The company's priority is now to focus on the core pub business to further enhance its market position in the UK pub industry and I have chosen this as the right time for me to step down as CEO of the company.

"I am very proud of the excellent national pub business that we have built together. We have created a superb culture in this business, we have great people and the downside of this decision is that I will miss working with you all going forward. I have immensely enjoyed my time as your CEO but it is right that the company moves forward in the future to continue to develop and I wish you all and the new team every success."

Chairman John Conlan said: "I would like to thank Mark for all the excellent work, motivation and leadership in starting and running the business over the past 12 years. The company has a strong brand, a good national presence and is well-positioned going forward. I wish Mark well in the future"

Commenting on his appointment, Moxham said: "The challenge of taking Barracuda forward through its next stage of development is one I relish. I look forward to meeting the team over the coming weeks and listening to their thoughts on what we can achieve together to make the business even better for our customers, owners and the whole Barracuda team."

McQuater will stay on at the business for an indeterminate period of time while he hands over the role to Moxham.

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By Neil Gerrard

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