First female boss for 227-year-old brewer

6 hours ago

Jaimielee RendallSuffolk

News image — Clair Preston-Beer will take on the Greene King chief executive role next March

Greene King A woman with short blonde hair sits at a large wooden table. She is wearing a navy pinstripe dress. She is smiling and gesturing with her hands. — Clair Preston-Beer will take on the Greene King chief executive role next March

Suffolk brewer Greene King has named its first female chief executive in its more than 200-year history.

Clair Preston-Beer, who has been with the Bury St Edmunds-based business since 2020, will succeed Nick Mackenzie, who will step down at the end of next February after nearly eight years in charge.

Preston-Beer joined as managing director of pubs before being appointed chief operating officer in 2024 and chief digital and commercial officer this year.

"I am inspired by the energy of our 38,000 team members who drive this 227-year-old business forward," she said.

Mackenzie has said: "It has been the privilege of my career to lead Greene King for nearly eight years. 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.

Greene King is building a new brewery in the town, which is due to open next year.

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