Greene King has announced that Clair Preston-Beer will become its first female Chief Executive Officer in the company’s 227-year history, succeeding Nick Mackenzie in March 2027.
The appointment marks a significant leadership milestone for the UK pub company and brewer, which employs approximately 38,000 people. Mackenzie will step down at the end of February 2027 after nearly eight years leading the business, remaining on the Greene King board to support the transition. Preston-Beer, currently Chief Digital and Commercial Officer, joined Greene King in 2020 as Managing Director of its pubs division. She became Chief Operating Officer in 2024 before taking up her current position earlier this year. With more than 27 years of experience across retail and leisure, Preston-Beer previously spent over 16 years at Whitbread, helping develop the Costa Coffee brand and latterly serving as Managing Director for the Middle East and Asia.
During her time at Greene King, she has played an important role in the company’s digital transformation, commercial operations and development of its loyalty programme.
Speaking about her appointment, Preston-Beer said:
“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.”
Building on Greene King’s 2030 strategy
The leadership transition follows the launch of Greene King’s 2030 strategy, which includes plans for its pub estate, investment in digital technology and the development of a new brewery in Bury St Edmunds. During Mackenzie’s tenure, the business underwent significant operational and strategic changes, including its acquisition by CK Asset Holdings in 2019, investment in digital systems and the expansion of its Hickory’s restaurant brand.
Preston-Beer will now be responsible for taking the company’s strategy forward, with a continued focus on commercial growth, customer experience and technology. “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,” she said.
Mackenzie welcomed the appointment, describing Preston-Beer as an exceptionally qualified successor who shares his passion for the industry.
The company will begin a detailed handover ahead of Preston-Beer formally assuming the role in March 2027, marking a new chapter for one of Britain’s longest-established pub and brewing businesses.
