Pub and brewing company Greene King has appointed a new CFO after it became apparent that Matthew Fearn, who had been absent from the company since February with a long-term illness is “not likely to be in a position to return to work for some time”.

The company announced that the decision was made “so that he and his family can focus on his health”.

The board has appointed Kirk Davis as chief financial officer in his place and he is expected to join the company, and the board, in the New Year.

Mr Davis joined J D Wetherspoon plc in 2008 as deputy finance director and has been its finance director since March 2011. He has extensive experience in the retail sector having previously worked in senior finance roles in Tesco and Marks & Spencer.

Rooney Anand, Greene King chief executive officer, commented: “We are very sorry to see Matthew step down, particularly in these very sad circumstances.  

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his huge contribution to Greene King over the past few years. The board, his colleagues and I wish him and his family the very best.

"At the same time, I am pleased to welcome Kirk to the company. He has extensive and relevant financial experience, both in consumer retail and more recently in the pub sector. The board and I want to welcome him to Greene King and look forward to working with him."