Andy Spencer (CEO) –

Andy has worked in the hospitality industry for over two decades and has extensive experience in both the leased & tenanted and managed pub sectors.  Having started his career at Allied Domecq, he subsequently held senior roles at Greene King Pub Partners, Greene King’s Metropolitan Pub Co, and Brewhouse & Kitchen before joining Punch as Managing Director of Operations.

Since taking on the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2024, Andy has been focused on building the business’s multiple model capability, whilst ensuring Punch concentrates on partnering with the very best people, with people at the heart of every decision.

Andy is a keen rugby fan and is married with two children.

Steve Dando (CFO) –

Steve Dando joined Punch in 2003 and has served as CFO for the past 15 years, playing a key role in the group’s development, including a period as Interim CEO in 2017. A member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales, Steve began his career at Price Waterhouse Coopers and brings extensive experience, previously serving as Chairman at both Matthew Clark and Bromford Housing Group.

In his spare time, Steve is a keen runner.

Ed Bashforth (Treasurer & Company Secretary) –

Having been at Punch for almost two decades, Ed has worked in a variety of roles across the finance team. He enjoys spending time in our wonderful pub estate and can sometimes be found watching cricket around the world.

Laura Cavendish (Group People Director) –

Laura started her career in recruitment which fuelled her passion for identifying and nurturing talent. Having joined Punch in 2008 as a Recruitment Manager, she has held several roles within the people team at Punch, including Head of People, HR Director and most recently becoming Group People Director in 2024.

Laura is passionate about aligning talent strategy with organisational goals to drive profitability and enhance employee and partner engagement. With a proven capability in building high-performing, partner-focused teams and steering large-scale, nationwide transformation programs.

Laura’s has a young family, and when not taking them to the many activities they love to do, she also has a lifelong passion for sport, particularly hockey, which she has played at a senior level for over 20 years.

Stephen Allen (Group Property Director) –

Stephen has spent 29 years in the industry, including two decades at Punch in senior property leadership roles. He became Property Director in 2016 and was appointed Group Property Director in 2024. A longtime admirer of pubs, rugby and historic buildings, he’s happiest when all three come together – ideally watching a match in a beautifully preserved Grade II listed pub.

Andy Carlill (Marketing & Communications Director) – 

Andy’s career spans more than 25 years, predominantly in the hospitality sector and specifically in pub businesses, holding senior leadership roles across marketing, commercial, operational and in an MD capacity.

A marketer by training, holding a postgraduate diploma, a master’s degree, and being a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, this grounding, combined with extensive cross-functional experience, has enabled Andy to focus on building sustainable, community-rooted pub propositions, supporting publicans, and developing teams and individuals to perform at their best.

Andy is motivated by the belief that pubs matter: as places where people connect, mark life’s moments, and build shared memories. He is proud to work with teams and partners at Punch who share a clear ambition to be The 5 STAR pub company.

Danny Hawkins (Commercial Services & Procurement Director) –

Danny has developed strong strategic partnerships across categories and markets, based on longevity and mutual success.

In his spare time, Danny leads on and is passionate about junior sports development in the local community, and coaches cricket at a youth County level.

Robin Belither (Managing Director) –

For over two decades, Robin has worked across the hospitality sector, spanning pubs, restaurants and hotels. His career has been built in operational leadership, with experience advising and leading teams in award-winning venues, independent pub and restaurant groups, PLCs and private equity–backed businesses.

Robin has worked across a wide range of operating models and ownership structures, giving him a practical, commercial understanding of what drives performance and long-term sustainability in hospitality businesses.

At the centre of his approach is a belief that strong results come from people working well together. Whether on the floor or in the office, Robin is driven by helping teams connect, take ownership and deliver exceptional outcomes.

Steve Worrall (Group Projects Director) – 

Steve joined Punch in 2022 and has worked in the hospitality sector for a little over three decades.

Steve’s always loved pubs, from a very young age, and as his career has progressed in pubs, he’s gained a deeper understanding of the vital role they play in communities. His passion is in supporting the industry, which he says provides so much for many.

James Croft (Group Strategy & Commercial Director) – 

James joined the Punch family in 2024 as Group Strategy and Commercial Director. A Chartered Accountant by background, he brings with him over 20 years of experience in the hospitality sector.

He spent 20 years with Ei Group plc in senior finance leadership roles before becoming Managing Director of Property, where he helped shape and deliver the strategy behind the company’s successful sale. As Group Strategy and Retail Director, he founded and led Craft Union Pub Company, served as Managing Director of Bermondsey Pub Company, and established 13 joint ventures with leading operators, including Karen Jones, Urban Pubs and Bars, and Laine Pub Company.

At Punch, James is responsible for helping shape our group strategy and driving commercial performance, supporting the continued growth and long-term success of the business.