Marston’s PLC has today announced the appointment of Rachel Osborne as an independent non-executive director, with effect from 23 January 2024. Earlier in November, the pub and hotel chain appointed Justin Platt to succeed Andrew Andrea as chief executive officer. Platt, who has spent the last 12 years at Merlin Entertainments, most recently as chief strategy officer, takes up his role from 10 January.

Rachel Osborne’s appointment follows the departure of Matthew Roberts from the board, and she will assume his role of chair of the audit committee. She will also join the nomination and remuneration committees at the same time.

Osborne is currently a non-executive director and chair of the audit committee at Ocado Group and, until last year, served as CEO of Ted Baker. She has previously served as the chief financial officer of multiple listed companies including Ted Baker, Debenhams plc and Domino’s Pizza Group. She has held financial director roles at Vodafone Group plc and John Lewis Partnership.

William Rucker, chair, said: “On behalf of the board, I am very pleased to welcome Rachel to Marston’s. She brings strong financial and audit experience as well as broader commercial and operational expertise which will add considerable value to our board. I would also like to thank Matthew for his valuable contribution over the past seven years and wish him all the best for the future.”