Barkby Group brings in pub veteran Rupert Bagnall

(Sharecast News) - The Barkby Group announced the appointment of Rupert Bagnall as operations director of Barkby Hospitality on Thursday, to manage and grow its portfolio of premium gastro pubs and inns based in the south of England.
It said Bagnall had "extensive experience" in the hospitality industry, having worked at Wiltshire-based brewer and pub operator Wadworth for 13 years, most recently as its operations director where he directly oversaw the running of 55 pubs, with eight direct reports and more than 1,000 staff.

The AIM-traded firm said that as a main board director, he was part of the executive team that restructured and streamlined that business, resulting in consistent turnover and profit growth.

Prior to joining Wadworth in 2006, Bagnall held roles at pub and hospitality businesses including Young and Co., Yard Glass Pub Company and Regent Inns.

He had received and been nominated for a number of awards, including the Publican Morning Advertiser Awards and Licensee of the Year.

Stephen Cook had left the Barkby Group with immediate effect, to pursue other business interests, the board confirmed.

"I am delighted to welcome Rupert to the Barkby Group," said group managing director Rupert Fraser.

"He is a veteran of the hospitality industry and his extensive experience and award-winning management of successfully integrating, growing and launching new acquisitions will benefit us greatly as we expand our offering in the hospitality space.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Stephen Cook for his efforts during his time at Barkby."

At 1152 GMT, shares in the Barkby Group were up 1.6% at 37.08p.