Our People

Appointed Executive Chairman in October 2024, Mark Crowther supports the Board and Senior Leadership Team across all areas of the business.

With over 30 years of experience in the food, drink, and hospitality sectors, Mark has held senior leadership roles across some of the industry’s most respected names – including Allied Domecq, Diageo, and Carlsberg UK. As CEO of the Liberation Group, he led the management buyout in 2008, overseeing the acquisition of Butcombe Brewery and several other successful integrations before delivering a highly profitable sale in 2019.

Mark currently serves as Chairman of Portobello Pubs & Bars, Pub People & Mountain Pub Company, and Walcot House Group Bath. He is also a member of the Property Board of the Brewers’ Livery Company. Having led the creation of Heron & Brearley’s five-year plan, Mark now works closely with the team to help realise the Group’s vision of becoming the community’s favourite business.

Married with three children, Mark is a keen foodie and a lifelong supporter of Bath Rugby and Arsenal.

As Group Finance Director for the Heron and Brearley Group Danny leads the financial and accounting activities of the group.  Danny’s responsibilities include providing clear and sound financial advice at board level to facilitate executive decision-making, formulation and implementation the Group’s financial strategy, liaison with key stakeholders including investors and lenders, and overseeing all aspects of the Group’s financial operations and corporate secretariat functions.

During his time with Heron and Brearley Danny has led corporate acquisitions, facilitated corporate and organisational restructures, overseen numerous IT system changes and enhanced the Group’s financial reporting across the Group’s diverse business which include hospitality, wholesaling, logistics freight, convenience retailing, production, and property investment.

Danny joined the Group in 2015 as Group Accountant assuming the role of Group Finance Director in 2020 and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales.  Danny has over 18 years’ experience in the accounting and finance profession which includes prior experience as an accountant within the Isle of Man Government and as an auditor with industry leading firms Ernst & Young and PWC

Ollie leads the strategic direction and commercial growth of H&B’s wholesale, brewing, and property businesses. With over 15 years of experience in the drinks industry, he brings deep expertise in the on-trade sector, wholesaling, and production management through his long-standing involvement with Okell’s Brewery.

Passionate about brand development and innovation, Ollie has played a key role in growing the Okell’s brand across the Isle of Man and the UK. He has driven efficiencies across purchasing and sales, streamlined supplier partnerships, and introduced new product lines and categories that strengthen H&B’s drinks portfolio.

Known for his hands-on, ideas-first approach, Ollie combines strategic thinking with creative energy. He’s passionate about celebrating Isle of Man heritage and weaving local identity into every brand story. A strong believer in teamwork, adaptability, and practical problem-solving, he’s as comfortable in the boardroom as he is in the brewhouse.

Outside of work, Ollie enjoys spending weekends with his wife and two children, exploring the outdoors on the Island. He also serves on the board of Business Isle of Man.

Steven Taylor is a seasoned business leader with over 25 years of experience managing and developing operations across a range of consumer-facing sectors. With a strong background in strategy development, operational excellence, software development, and financial management, he brings both vision and precision to every role he undertakes.

As the Managing Director of Okell’s Inns and founder of Kaizen Professional Limited , Steven has a proven track record of transforming business operations and guiding teams to achieve their strategic ambitions. He also serves on the board of Visit Isle of Man, contributing his expertise to the Island’s broader economic and tourism development.

A proud Manchester United fan, Steven balances his strategic mindset with a lifelong passion for teamwork and continuous improvement.

Vic joined the Heron & Brearley Group in 2003 and has since progressed through a range of senior leadership roles. As Managing Director of Trade Distribution and Mannin Retail, he oversees operations spanning retail, logistics, freight, and warehousing, with a combined turnover of around £60 million. Vic has driven major business growth across the Isle of Man and UK, including the acquisitions of Manx Independent Carriers and FCX.

He leads a diverse retail portfolio of SPAR stores, forecourts, post offices, and franchise brands such as Subway, while also directing H&B’s logistics and distribution network. As a Non-Executive Director of H&B, he provides strategic insight on supply chain development.

Vic holds degrees from the University of Stellenbosch and Central Sussex College, and is an active member of several professional and industry bodies. Outside work, he enjoys golf and travelling with his young family.

Wayde Bradshaw is our Head of IT and the architect behind H&B’s digital backbone. With a sharp mind for systems and a steady hand in transformation, Wayde leads our technology strategy with a focus on security, scalability, and simplicity.

He champions best practices across every layer of our infrastructure, ensuring our systems are reliable, resilient, and ready for the future. From the tills in our stores to the tools our teams use every day, Wayde makes sure everything works seamlessly. Calm under pressure and curious by nature, he’s always exploring smarter ways to connect, protect, and innovate.

His philosophy? “Keep it secure, keep it simple, and keep moving forward.”

Luke Pullinger is our Senior Management Accountant and the analytical engine behind our financial planning. With a sharp mind for numbers and a strategic outlook, Luke transforms data into decisions, helping us navigate the complexities of budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis.

As Company Secretary for the majority of businesses within the group, he plays a key role in ensuring sound governance and smooth operations across H&B. Luke is passionate about making finance accessible and actionable, ensuring every team has the insights they need to thrive. Whether refining reports, supporting commercial strategy, or uncovering new efficiencies, he brings precision, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit to everything he does.

His motto? “Clarity in the numbers, confidence in the decisions.”

Lynsey Harris is our Head of People and the heartbeat of our culture. With a background in HR leadership and a passion for nurturing talent, Lynsey ensures our teams feel supported, empowered, and inspired. She’s a champion of inclusion, wellbeing, and growth; always looking for ways to make work more human and more meaningful. Whether she’s shaping policy, leading development programs, or simply checking in with colleagues, Lynsey brings warmth, wisdom, and a deep sense of care to everything she does.

Her motto? “People first, always; because that’s where the magic starts.”