The Barkby Group PLC announced the appointment of Rupert Bagnall as Operations Director of Barkby Hospitality, to manage and grow its portfolio of premium gastro pubs and inns based in the South of England. Rupert has extensive experience in the hospitality industry. He worked at Wadworth and Co., the Wiltshire based brewer and regional pub operator, for 13 years, most recently as Operations Director where he directly oversaw the running of 55 pubs, with 8 direct reports and over 1,000 staff. Stephen Cook has left the Barkby Group with immediate effect to pursue other business interests.