Mon 24th Apr 2023 - Punch Pubs appoints Russell Danks as new Laine Pub Co MD Punch Pubs appoints Russell Danks as new Laine Pub Co MD: Punch Pubs & Co has announced changes to its executive team, including the appointment of Russell Danks as the new managing director of its 60-strong Laine Pub Company. Danks’ appointment comes as Dan Hills, managing director of Punch's sister company, has made the decision to leave the role in the summer after 24 years with the business. Danks, who was Punch’s marketing and strategy director, takes up his new role after returning from a six-month sabbatical. Andrew Carlill, formerly of Big Table Group and Marston’s, is currently interim marketing and strategy director at Punch. Laine's chief executive Gavin George said: “Dan has played an integral part in creating the amazing company Laine is today. Having started with us in pub operations and progressing through senior management roles to managing director of the pub business, Dan has been instrumental in the creation of market-leading pub experiences and has made an unprecedented contribution to the culture and DNA of the Laine business. I am hugely grateful to Dan for his passion and dedication over the years; I know he will go on to do more great things in this industry. I am very pleased to welcome Russell to the team at Laine. I know him well and am excited that he is bringing his wealth of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to our business. I very much look forward to working with him.” Clive Chesser, Punch chief executive, said: “Russell has been a real force for positive change at Punch, and I am proud to support his move into the next stage of his career journey. Russell will be a huge asset to the Laine business, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with him, Gavin and the wider team.” Hills will remain with the Laine business to work with Danks on a smooth transition, following which he plans to take time out to travel before returning to the UK to continue his career in hospitality. At the same time, HR director Jackie Burn, who has been a part of the Punch team for 18 years, will leave the company this week after deciding to take a career break to spend more time with her family. Laura Cavendish, who has worked within the company’s people team for 15 years, has been promoted into the role. Chesser said: “Jackie has been hugely instrumental in building and nurturing our brilliantly positive culture, creating a safe and welcoming workplace where people's development and progression are a priority – a legacy to be truly proud of. I am also delighted to confirm Laura's promotion. Her progression through the Punch business is fantastic and a testament to her hard work and passion for people and pubs. Laura is truly embedded in our business and culture, and I know she will continue to build on Jackie's excellent work in leading our people agenda.” Punch features in the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book. Its turnover of £284,400,000 for the year ending 14 August 2022 is the 30th highest in the database. The Blue Book ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors’ earnings for the past five years. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email jo.charity@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.