Greene King reports stronger Christmas bookings amid leadership transition
Greene King, a 2,700-strong pub company with about 1,600 managed pubs, said Christmas Day bookings across its managed sites were up 30% on last year. Online bookings for key festive dates were more than 25% higher than the same point in 2025, a rise the group attributes in part to customers planning further ahead. Chief operating officer Jodie Tate noted the increase in advance online bookings reflects a desire to celebrate Christmas with friends and family at Greene King pubs, supported by a real-time booking system and loyalty rewards. The festive period is described as a vital trading window for pubs, and Greene King says it is ready to meet demand despite ongoing business costs. Separately, the firm confirmed chief executive Nick Mackenzie will step down after almost eight years, with Claire Preston-Beer appointed as his successor. Preston-Beer will take the helm in February 2027 and will become the first female chief executive in Greene King’s 227-year history. Mackenzie described his tenure as a privilege, while Preston-Beer said she is exceptionally qualified to lead the business and will continue delivering the growth strategy, with a focus on strengthening core brands and making digital services central to the customer experience. Source: The Morning Advertiser
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