Wells to grow in France

It has appointed Anthony Wallis, currently managing director of both businesses, as the dedicated chief of its French operations. He will take up the role in October.

Wallis has set a target of increasing the John Bull business from seven to 20 pubs within the next five years. The seven current pubs focus on a premium offer including English beers and pub games, and are located in Paris, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Montpelier, with quintessentially English names like the George & Dragon, Sherlock Holmes and the Bombardier.

Wells is also aiming to double export sales of its beer over the same five-year period. Back in England, Peter Wells has been appointed as the new managing director of the Charles Wells Pub Company. He has been sales and marketing director for the last four years.

Charles Wells chief executive Paul Wells said: “Anthony has been an inspirational leader and established Charles Wells as the top regional brewery pub company with a strong focus on customer support. His experience will be invaluable to John Bull Pub Company as we target an ambitious expansion plan and I’m sure he’ll make an immediate impact when he takes on the role full-time.”