Fuller’s has appointed Simon Emeny as its chief executive, with effect from July 1.

Emeny joined Fuller’s in 1996 with a brief to run the company’s managed pubs. He was promoted to the board in 1998 and became managing director of Fuller’s Inns in 2006, before becoming group managing director in 2010.

Previously, Emeny was a graduate trainee and then manager at Bass.

Fuller’s described the appointment as the next stage in the “evolution” of its succession plan. Current CEO Michael Turner, who will become non-executive chairman following the move, 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 on to the next step in its long-term development as a leader in its field.”

“I feel proud to be appointed chief executive of a company based on strong values, quality, and long-term vision,” said Emeny. “I would like to thank Michael for his inspirational leadership and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him in the future.”

Fuller’s, which runs nearly 400 pubs, hotels and inns across the south of England, was voted ‘Company of the Year’ at the annual PLC Awards in March.

It reported revenue up 8% and profit before tax up 4% in its half-year results in November. The company will report its full-year results on 7 June.

Off-trade sales of Fuller’s best-selling beer brand, London Pride, have been outperforming the ale & stout market, and have risen 4.5% year-on-year to £13.4m in a category up 0.7% [Nielsen 52 w/e 13 October 2012].