Punch’s Whiteside is pub sector’s 'most influential'

Whiteside, who took the helm of Punch after its demerger from Spirit last summer, has launched a range of initiatives to improve sales for Punch and its licensees, including a new partnership agreement and code of conduct. PMA group editor Rob Willock said: “Whiteside deserves his place at number one after making significant strides in developing Punch’s model in a positive way. Under his leadership, Punch is making a virtue of its efforts to change the traditional tenant-pubco model—one based on a fairer and more transparent partnership with shared goals and improved tenant profitability at its heart.”

Whiteside tops the list from Ted Tuppen and Tim Martin, heads of Enterprise Inns and J D Wetherspoon and in second and third places respectively. Heineken’s Stefan Orlowski is in fourth and Bob Ivell, executive chairman of Mitchells & Butlers, in fifth. The top ten is completed by Brigid Simmonds of the British Beer and Pub Association, Mike Tye of Spirit, Rooney Anand of Greene King, Ralph Findlay of Marston’s and Peter Thomas of the BII.

The PMA’s list is based on factors including the size, performance and ambition of the individuals’ companies and their role in the wider industry.

For the full story, see Punch Taverns chief Roger Whiteside crowned pub trade's most influential.