Greene King has announced that Nick Mackenzie will stand down as chief executive at the end of February. He will be succeeded by Clair Preston-Beer, currently chief digital and commercial officer.
Clair Preston-Beer
Mackenzie has led Greene King for nearly eight years and has decided that now is the right time to step down, having launched the business’s 2030 strategy. He will remain on the board of Greene King Ltd to support the transition.
He has overseen a transformational period for Greene King, including taking the business private in an acquisition by CK Assets in 2019. He has also embedded a new strategy alongside a culture change programme, and delivered significant investment to position the business as a modern integrated pub company and brewer set up for long-term future success.
Investment highlights include the business’s digital programme, the launch of the new brewery build in Bury St Edmunds, and the investment in and roll-out of the Hickory’s smokehouse brand. During his time at Greene King, Nick has also been a passionate advocate of the pub and brewing industry and a champion for inclusion and social mobility.
Preston-Beer will become Greene King’s first female CEO in its 227-year history. She joined Greene King in 2020 as managing director of Greene King pubs before being appointed to chief operating officer in 2024 and chief digital and commercial officer this year. Over this time, she has overseen all commercial, digital, and technology functions for the group.
“It has been the privilege of my career to lead Greene King for nearly eight years,” said Mackenzie. “This is a very special company, with very special people who care deeply about their teams, customers, and the communities they serve up and down the country.
“I have loved every minute and would like to thank everyone in the business, and all our partners for their support, dedication, and belief in this amazing company.”
Preston-Beer added: “I’m honoured to be appointed as CEO of Greene King. I love our pubs, I love our people, and I am passionate about ensuring they remain the ultimate social host for generations to come. I am inspired by the energy of our 38,000 team members who drive this 227-year-old business forward.
“We have an ambitious strategy in place that is focused on growing share in a challenging environment. We will continue to strengthen our core brands and ensure our digital services become central to the everyday experience of our valued customers. We have prioritised investment in data and AI to ensure that every pub is easier for our teams to run, every customer experience more personal, and every decision better informed.”
