Appointing a Group Marketing Director for Stonegate Group

Our relationship with Stonegate Group began when the business engaged us to support a strategically critical senior leadership hire within its central marketing function. At the time, Stonegate was undertaking a significant phase of transformation across its portfolio, spanning Managed, Craft Union, and Leased & Tenanted businesses. 

Working closely with their Chief Marketing Officer, we were appointed as an executive search partner to secure a Group Marketing Director who could act as a true second-in-command, strengthen leadership capacity, and drive commercial impact at scale. 

Appointing a Group Marketing Director for Stonegate Group

The story of Stonegate Group

Stonegate Group operates one of the UK’s largest and most diverse hospitality portfolios. With multiple operating models and brands under one umbrella, the marketing function plays a pivotal role in driving footfall, brand experience, and commercial performance. 

As the business entered into a period of transformation, the CMO required additional senior leadership to oversee the marketing strategy and its execution across three distinct and complex business units. 

The brief: A commercially focused marketing leader to drive scale

Stonegate was looking to appoint a Group Marketing Director who was strategically focused as well as a hands-on operator. The role was designed to: 

  • Act as a trusted senior partner and to the CMO 
  • Lead and inspire a team of 15–20 marketers 
  • Create and deliver a robust, commercially relevant trading calendar 
  • Drive top-line growth through improved footfall, campaign effectiveness and brand experience 
  • Break down silos to build a more cohesive and accountable marketing function

Given the scope and importance of the role, this was a high-stakes appointment requiring deep sector knowledge, leadership credibility, and the ability to operate at pace in a complex environment. 

In parallel, Stonegate Group engaged an interim marketing leader to maintain momentum and leadership stability while the permanent search was completed. 

Solution: Executive search with pace, rigour and transparency

Given the seniority and complexity of the brief, Stonegate needed an executive search partner with proven experience placing senior marketing leaders into large, multi-brand, consumer-led organisations. 

3Search Executive was selected due to: 

  • Our strong track record in executive marketing and commercial leadership search 
  • Access to passive, high-calibre talent not reachable through traditional recruitment routes 
  • A consultative, insight-led approach trusted by senior stakeholders 
  • Our ability to balance pace with depth of assessment

We designed and delivered a structured executive search process that balanced speed of delivery with depth of evaluation. Key elements of the search included: 

  • A comprehensive market mapping exercise, targeting senior marketing leaders from hospitality, retail and food-service environments 
  • Early calibration, sharing relevant candidate profiles within the first two weeks 
  • A clear target of delivering a full shortlist within three to four weeks 
  • Weekly progress updates via video call, including market insight, candidate feedback and longlist review 
  • A shared live tracker to ensure full transparency throughout 

Search activity continued throughout the interview process to maintain competitive tension and ensure Stonegate had access to the very best available talent. 

When timing gaps emerged ahead of the permanent hire’s start date, we proactively identified and secured an interim marketing leader, protecting continuity and momentum during the transition. 

Outcome and impact

Stonegate successfully appointed Ian White, formerly of Greggs, as Group Marketing Director. Ian brought highly relevant experience aligned to the brief and immediately strengthened leadership capacity across the function. 

Additionally, the interim appointment ensured there was no loss of momentum, enabling the marketing team to continue delivering through a critical period of change. Together, these appointments have: 

  • Given the CMO a strong, commercially focused partner 
  • Improved cross-functional alignment 
  • Created a more joined-up, accountable marketing organisation 
  • Strengthened Stonegate’s ability to drive footfall, brand impact and growth across its portfolio
Kay Bartlett Chief Marketing Officer
I was looking to appoint a Marketing Director who could support a really important period of growth and transformation at Stonegate. I needed someone with highly relevant experience who could hit the ground running, take on real responsibility, and play a key role in leading and developing the team. I was introduced to Charlie and the team at 3Search Executive through a recommendation, and based on their track record, experience in the space, and ability to flex to the delivery timelines I needed, I decided to appoint them. I worked very closely with Liz throughout the search. She gave clear, honest insight into what the market looked like and helped me navigate what was genuinely feasible. She produced a strong shortlist and there was a clear standout candidate relatively early. The process ran smoothly from start to finish, and most importantly, the outcome has been excellent. I would highly recommend 3Search Executive.

Candidate Thought Count: 1

Hear from our successful candidates...

Liz approached me with an interim Marketing Director position that was absolutely perfect. She knew my background, understood where I could add real value and matched me with a role that aligned perfectly with my experience and goals. Throughout the process, Liz was more than a recruiter, she was a true partner. She briefed me thoroughly on the role, company, and team, ensuring I went into interviews feeling fully prepared and clear on what was expected. During negotiations, her solid advice and honest input were invaluable, supporting me all the way through to contract.
Mays Elansari, Marketing Director

Get in touch to learn more about our executive search services.

Michael Judkins Customer Experience & Growth Director

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