Emeny to take the helm at Fuller, Smith & Turner

Fuller’s, brewer of London Pride, was set up 160 years ago and has over 400 pubs

The company behind London’s best-known beer unveiled a new boss yesterday, calling time on the 11-year reign of his predecessor in the process.

Fuller, Smith & Turner said that Michael Turner will move to a non-executive role as chairman in July. He will be replaced as chief executive by Simon Emeny, presently the company’s managing director, on a salary that has yet to be disclosed.

Mr Turner himself became managing director in 1992 and chief executive in 2002, expanding the business best known for London Pride into one that owns more than 400 pubs.

Mr Turner is from one of the three families that founded and still controls the business set up 160 years ago.

Fuller’s described the appointment as the next stage in the “evolution” of its succession plan – rumours that Mr Turner was stepping down have circulated in the pub trade for a while.

Mr Turner said: “Simon’s record of success has been outstanding. He has delivered a first-class performance during his time with Fuller’s and I know he is the right person to lead the company.”

Mr Emeny, 47, is also a non-executive director of Dunelm, the specialist homeware retailer. He said: “I feel proud to be appointed chief executive of a company based on strong values, quality, and long- term vision.”