Mike has over 30 years of experience in managing businesses and as a Board Director across the hospitality and leisure sectors.
Mike currently serves as Chair of The Big Table Group, owners of the Bella Italia, Café Rouge and Las Iguanas restaurant brands, and as Chair of The Fore, the first seed funder for the charity sector in the UK. Until recently he was Vice Chair of Prostate Cancer UK, Chair of the Moto Hospitality Group and Haulfryn Group. He was also previously Non-executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee for Restaurant Group Plc and Which?/The Consumer Association.
Mike was CEO of Spirit Pub Group Plc, from the time of its demerger from Punch Taverns in 2011 until the takeover by Greene King in summer 2015. During his time as CEO of Spirit, the company grew operating profit through a challenging consumer environment and in a competitive UK pub market. While Mike was CEO, Spirit’s share price almost tripled from ~40p to ~120p.
Mike has significant PLC and private-company Board experience, both as an executive and a non-executive. He brings substantial experience of the leisure and hospitality sector, having held several leadership roles at Punch Taverns, David Lloyd Leisure, Premier Travel Inn, Costa Coffee and Aramark.
Mike is married to Elsa and lives in Hertfordshire. He is an active sportsman, in cycling, running, swimming and playing golf and tennis. His two passions are for Chelsea Football Club and classic sports cars.
