Greene King has announced that Nick Mackenzie will step down as Chief Executive Officer at the end of February 2027, with Clair Preston-Beer appointed to succeed him as part of the company’s planned leadership succession process.
Preston-Beer, currently Chief Digital and Commercial Officer, will assume the role in March 2027, becoming the first female CEO in Greene King’s 227-year history.
Mackenzie has led the UK pub company and brewer for nearly eight years and will remain on the board of Greene King Ltd to support the leadership transition.
His departure follows the launch of Greene King’s strategy to 2030, which includes plans for investment across its pub estate and brewery operations.
During his tenure, Mackenzie has overseen a period of significant change, including the company’s acquisition by CK Asset Holdings in 2019, its transition to private ownership and the development of its long-term growth strategy.
The business has also invested in digital technology, expanded its Hickory’s restaurant brand and progressed plans for a new brewery in Bury St Edmunds.
Alongside these developments, Mackenzie has been involved in industry advocacy, workforce inclusion and social mobility initiatives across the hospitality sector.
Preston-Beer joined Greene King in 2020 as Managing Director of Greene King Pubs before being appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2024 and Chief Digital and Commercial Officer in 2026.
In her current position, she oversees the group’s commercial, digital and technology functions and has played a central role in developing its customer loyalty programme and wider operational transformation.
She brings more than 27 years of experience in retail and leisure, including over 16 years with Whitbread, where she held senior leadership positions within Costa Coffee.
Her previous responsibilities included serving as Managing Director for Costa Coffee’s Middle East and Asia operations.
Preston-Beer is also a board member of the British Beer and Pub Association and has held non-executive director positions within FTSE 350 businesses.
Nick Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer of Greene King, 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.
“I have loved every minute and would like to thank everyone in the business, and all our partners for their support, dedication and belief in this amazing company.
“I am delighted that Clair will be taking the reins and having worked closely with her for the last six years, I know she shares my passion for the industry and is an exceptionally qualified successor to take Greene King forward and deliver the next chapter in its long and illustrious history. The business is in great hands.”
The appointment comes as Greene King continues to develop its digital services, including investment in customer data, artificial intelligence and technology designed to support pub operations.
The company has also expanded its loyalty offering and introduced new ways for customers to book, order and engage with its pub brands.
Clair Preston-Beer, Chief Digital and Commercial Officer of Greene King, 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.
“We have an ambitious strategy in place that is focused on growing share in a challenging environment. We will continue to strengthen our core brands and ensure our digital services become central to the everyday experience of our valued customers. 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. There is so much to be excited about for the future of this historic pub company and brewer.
“I would like to thank Nick for the opportunity to join Greene King and for his support over the last six years, he has been an exceptional leader and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with and learning from him.”
Greene King’s owner, CK Asset Holdings, has supported the appointment following the company’s internal succession planning process.
Gerald Ma, Executive Committee Member at CK Asset Holdings, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Nick for his outstanding contribution to Greene King during what has been a challenging period for our industry and pubs. Nick has not only driven significant operational, cultural and strategic change within our business, but has been relentless in his backing of pubs, collaborating with government and trade bodies to successfully deliver positive impact for the sector.
“Reflecting our effective long-term succession planning, we have identified a proven and dedicated leader in Clair Preston-Beer. Clair has a fundamental understanding of our business and has played a significant role in shaping Greene King’s progress in her leadership roles to-date. Greene King is in a strong position, and we are looking forward to the future under Clair’s leadership.”
A detailed handover of responsibilities will begin ahead of the transition, with Preston-Beer taking over as Chief Executive Officer in March 2027.
The appointment provides continuity for Greene King’s long-term strategy as the company continues to invest in its pub estate, brewing operations and digital capabilities.
Associated Articles
Greene King Pub Games Generate More Than £2m as Digital Rollout Expands
Clair Preston-Beer outlined Greene King’s investment in digital pub games and competitive socialising, providing insight into the commercial strategy she has helped develop.
Greene King Pub Games Generate More Than £2m as Digital Rollout Expands
Greene King Loyalty Programme Reaches Two Million Customers
Greene King’s loyalty programme reached two million members in August 2026, demonstrating the growth of its digital customer engagement strategy under Preston-Beer’s leadership.
Greene King Increases Investment in London
Greene King outlined plans to invest approximately £15 million in its London pub estate during 2026, providing context for the property investment programme developed during Mackenzie’s tenure.
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