FDBusiness.com

Alistair Darby, chief operating officer at Marston’s, the British brewer and pub operator, is leaving to take up the role of chief executive at Mitchells & Butlers, leading operator of restaurants and pubs in the UK. He steps down from the board with immediate effect, and will leave the company at the end of September.

Peter Dalzell, managing director of Marston’s Inns and Taverns, and Stephen Oliver, managing director of Marston’s Beer and Pub Company, will now report directly to Ralph Findlay, chief executive.

Since rejoining Marston’s in 1997, Alistair Darby has held a number of senior operational and strategic roles, including leadership of its branded and suburban managed pubs, its beer division and its tenanted and leased pub company. Following his success at Marston’s Pub Company, he was appointed chief operating officer in 2011.

Alistair Darby has more than 20 years’ experience working on some of the UK’s best known brands in the pub, drinks and consumer sectors, including roles with Mars Confectionery,Wolverhamptonand Dudley Breweries and United Distillers.

Alistair Darby will take up his new role as chief executive on 8 October 2012. Following a short period of induction and handover, Bob Ivell will revert to the role of non-executive chairman of Mitchells & Butlers.