Marston’s have appointed two new operations directors tasked with driving growth opportunities in the South of England and Wales.

The moves come after the business reshaped its regional operational structure to “better reflect the evolving priorities and geographical spread” of its nationwide estate of more than 1,300 pubs, bars and inns.

Under this new structure, Marston’s said its operations will expand from three divisions into five: North, Midlands, East, South East and South West.

To support this change, Lee Nixon and Jo Hall have joined Marston’s senior leadership team as operations directors for the South East and South West, respectively, reporting into the company’s chief operating officer Neil Campbell.

Lee Nixon joins Marston’s with more than 25 years’ experience across the UK hospitality industry, having held senior operational leadership roles with Honest Burgers, Ole & Steen, Costa Coffee and Le Pain Quotidien.

Meanwhile Jo Hall, previously Head of Retail Operations (Convenience) for the Co-op, brings to the role more than 20 years’ experience leading large-scale retail operations across organisations including BP, Sainsbury’s and Lidl.

Neil Campbell, Chief Operating Officer at Marston’s, said: “Jo and Lee bring a wealth of operational leadership experience to Marston’s, along with fresh perspectives and a shared passion for pubs, people and performance.

“They will play an important role in helping bring our new operational model to life while going after new opportunities in the South of England and supporting our ambition to deliver everyday excellence across every part of our business.”