Business
CEO appointment and Pre-close trading update
CEO appointment and Pre-close trading update.
About this update from Mitchells & Butlers Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n \nRNS Number : 7368Z Mitchells & Butlers PLC 22 September 2015 \n\n22 September 2015 \n \nMitchells & Butlers plc\nCEO appointment and Pre-close trading update\n \n \nCEO Appointment\n \nThe Board is pleased to announce today the appointment of Phil Urban as Chief Executive, from 27 September 2015. Phil joined Mitchells & Butlers in January 2015 as Chief Operating Officer, and was previously Managing Director at Grosvenor Casinos, a division of Rank Group and Chairman of the National Casino Forum. Prior to that, he was Managing Director for Whitbread's Pub Restaurant division, and for Scottish and Newcastle Retail's Restaurants and Accommodation Division. Phil has an MBA and is a qualified management accountant (CIMA).\nAs a consequence, Alistair Darby will step down as Chief Executive on 26 September 2015, and will retire from the Board and leave the Company on that date. \nBob Ivell, non-executive chairman commented, \"The non-executive directors have considered the issue of the leadership of M&B very carefully and are delighted to announce Phil's appointment. Phil is a strong leader with industry experience and a proven track record of operational delivery, who we are confident will build on the progress made under Alistair. \nThe Board recognises the significant contribution made by Alistair as Chief Executive over the past three years, is grateful to him for bringing the business to a stronger position and wishes him well in the future.\"\nPhil Urban said, \"I am delighted to become Chief Executive. Having worked in the business since the start of the year I have seen at first hand the exciting potential of the people, brands and estate of M&B and look forward to leading the business to further growth whilst meeting the challenges ahead. \"\nNo matters require to be disclosed under Listing Rule 9.6.13(1) to (6) in relation to Phil Urban.\nPre-close Trading Update\n \nTotal sales growth for the first 50 weeks of the year was 7.0%, with like-for-like sales growth of 1.0%.\n \nThe UK eating and drinking out market has been subdued in the summer leading to a slight slowdown in the rate of sales growth, exacerbated by the wet weather. Despite this slow market seen in the past weeks, we are continuing our plans to reposition and enhance the business, foc...