Greene King, one of Britain’s largest pub companies and brewers, has appointed Clair Preston-Beer as its next Chief Executive Officer, making her the first woman to lead the business in its 227-year history.
The appointment was announced on 2 November 2026 as part of a planned leadership transition. Preston-Beer will assume the role in March 2027, succeeding Nick Mackenzie, who will step down at the end of February after nearly eight years as CEO. Mackenzie will remain on the company’s board to support the transition.
Preston-Beer currently serves as Greene King’s Chief Digital and Commercial Officer, having progressed through several senior leadership positions since joining the company in 2020 as Managing Director of Greene King Pubs.
She became Chief Operating Officer in 2024 before taking on her current position in 2026. During her tenure, she has overseen commercial, digital and technology functions, contributing to the company’s operational development and digital transformation.
Before joining Greene King, Preston-Beer spent more than 16 years at Whitbread, where she held senior operational and commercial positions and helped expand Costa Coffee’s presence in the UK and international markets. She most recently served as Managing Director for Costa Coffee in the Middle East and Asia.
Preston-Beer brings more than 27 years of experience across the retail and leisure industries. She also serves on the board of the British Beer and Pub Association and has held positions as a FTSE 350 non-executive director.
Commenting on her appointment, Preston-Beer said she was honoured to lead the business, highlighting her commitment to its employees, customers and long-term growth. She also pointed to the company’s investment in data and artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency and customer experiences across its estate.
Greene King operates approximately 2,500 pubs, restaurants and hotels across England, Wales and Scotland, employing around 38,000 people. Its portfolio includes brands such as Greene King Pubs, Hungry Horse, Chef & Brewer, Farmhouse Inns and Flaming Grill.
The leadership transition marks a significant milestone for the historic hospitality group, placing a woman at the head of a business that has operated for more than two centuries.
