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Wells & Co, an estate of 160 pubs in the UK and 19 in France has announced the appointment of two senior leaders, further strengthening its executive team as the business continues to invest in its people, technology and long-term growth.
Andy Garrard joins as IT Director, starting on 11 May 2026. He brings significant experience in leading large-scale technology transformation programmes, most recently serving as Head of Technology Delivery at Moto Hospitality. In that role, he was responsible for driving technology strategy and change across the UK’s largest motorway service area operator.
Prior to this, Andy held senior roles at Essentra and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. He has a strong track record across data, cyber security and modern workplace solutions, alongside a reputation for developing high-performing teams and fostering a people-focused culture.
Jody Bennett has been appointed People Director, a newly created role at Wells & Co, also starting on 11 May 2026. Her appointment reflects the company’s continued commitment to strengthening its people agenda, recognising its teams as its most important asset.
Jody joins from Brewhouse & Kitchen, where she has held senior leadership roles including People Director since 2021. In this position, she has led people strategy across a growing hospitality business, alongside overseeing operational performance and organisational development.
She also brings broader board-level experience as a Non-Executive Director, alongside a career spanning more than two decades in HR and operational leadership, including senior roles at The Liberation Group (now Butcombe Group) and a long tenure at Sainsbury’s, where she held a variety of HR and transformation roles.
Commenting on the appointments, Franki Hale, Chief People Officer, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be welcoming both Andy and Jody to Wells & Co. They bring a huge amount of experience, energy and fresh perspective, and I’m confident they will make a real difference as we continue to grow the business.
“These appointments significantly strengthen our Senior Leadership Team at a pivotal time for Wells & Co. As we continue to invest in both our people and our technology, Andy and Jody will play a critical role in helping us unlock the next phase of growth.
“With exciting developments on the horizon in Bedford, including the creation of Universal Studios, we see a real opportunity to build on our strong foundations. Having the right leadership in place ensures we are well positioned to maximise that opportunity, and I’m genuinely excited about what we can achieve together for our teams and our business.”
Both appointments come at a time of continued momentum for the company, as it focuses on strengthening its operational capabilities and enhancing the experience it delivers across its pub estate.