AMBER TAVERNS
(“Amber” or “the Group”)

Appointment of Mark Brooke as CEO:

Amber Taverns, a leading operator of 182 high quality freehold community, wet-led pubs, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Brooke as CEO, with effect from mid August 2025. Mark succeeds James Baer, the current CEO who founded Amber in 2005, who will take up the role of Chairman.

A leading value-focused pub group, which is uniquely focused on the hybrid “operator-managed” business model, Amber’s pubs are wet-led with a strong sport and live entertainment offering. Amber has locations across the UK and is increasingly expanding its geographic footprint across the South of England, with new locations secured in Bedford, Cheltenham, Stroud and Gosport.

An experienced operator, Mark joins Amber from Admiral Taverns where he has been MD of Proper Pubs, the operator managed division of that business, since 2021. He brings significant experience of pub retailing, and the operator managed model in particular, having had previous senior operational roles at Hawthorn Leisure and Ei Group/Stonegate Pub Company from 2011 until 2020.

Prior to this, Mark held several senior management positions within the food, finance and retail sectors.

James Baer, of Amber Taverns, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Mark on board as CEO. Mark successfully developed the operator managed divisions of both Hawthorn and Admiral Taverns which has equipped him with a deep understanding of, and commitment to, our model. This, together with his passion for people and community, made him the standout candidate for the role.

I very much look forward to working with Mark as we continue to grow and evolve the business ensuring that, with the continued support of Epiris, we remain at the very forefront of operator managed businesses.”

Mark Brooke, commented
“As a long-term admirer of what James and the Amber Taverns team have achieved over the years, it was an easy decision to make when the opportunity to lead this great business came along.

Community pubs are in my DNA and I am really excited about what the future holds. With the support of the team, the board and investors, I look forward to building on Amber’s success to date, growing and evolving the business in the next phase of its development.”

22 May 2025

Enquiries:
Instinctif Partners
Tel: 020 7457 2010
Justine Warren