The former managing director of pub and hotel chain Fuller's Inns is to join Shepherd Neame.

Jonathon Swaine will become managing director, pubs, at the Faversham firm.

Having also spent time working for Bass, he spent seven years will Fuller's and spent the last three years as managing director of the retail division of the Rank Group.

Jonathan Neame, CEO of Shepherd Neame said: "He is an operator of considerable experience and is highly respected within the industry. Jonathon and the team will help us develop Shepherd Neame on the next stage of our journey as we emerge from the pandemic in good shape and ambitious to resume our growth trajectory.”

Jonathon Swaine added: “Shepherd Neame is a company I have known and admired for a long time. They have unique heritage, strong culture and values. In addition, the pub estate is very high quality, with further development opportunities, and will benefit from the ongoing infrastructure investment in its Kent heartland. I look forward to working with the team and board.”

A date for him joining the firm is still to be confirmed.