Clair Preston-Beer is named Greene King's first female boss in 227 years as Nick Mackenzie prepares to stand down

Clair Preston-Beer, currently Greene King's chief digital and commercial officer, will take over as chief executive at the end of February when Nick Mackenzie steps down after nearly eight years running Britain's second-biggest pub chain. Preston-Beer joined Greene King in 2020 and has championed investment in data and AI to personalise customer experiences across the estate. The appointment breaks a 227-year all-male succession at the brewer and pub group.

Mackenzie called it the 'privilege' of his career and will stay on the board to assist with the transition into next year.

Preston-Beer said she has an 'ambitious strategy in place focused on growing share in a challenging environment', with technology central to the plan.