New CFO for Liberation Group

Monday 06 August 2018

A woman with over 20 years' experience in financial roles with ITV, Virgin and Vue has been appointed CFO of Channel Islands pub chain, Liberation Group.

Sharon Badelek joins the group, which counts 44 pubs in its Jersey portfolio alone, from Novus Leisure where she held the same role.

Ms Badelek's career has seen her gain significant experience in multi-site business.

Previously, she worked as UK Finance Director and then Group Finance Director of cinema operator Vue, as well as being Group Financial Controller of Virgin Active. The early years of her career, meanwhile, were spent at ITV as a Group Accountant, where she rose to Group Chief Accountant before leaving the role after six years in 2001.

She now steps into her new role at the Liberation Group following the departure of Declan Hearne, who worked there for 10 years.

CEO Mark Crowther said the group were "delighted" about the new hire.

Pictured: CEO Mark Crowther.

"Her substantial experience across the leisure sector will benefit both the Board and the entire business. We look forward to working with Sharon when she joins in September," he added.

Ms Badelek commented that her appointment came at an "exciting time" for the Liberation Group. "The team has built an excellent business, is well financed for further growth, and is positioned well to exploit the fundamental growth drivers that underpin its strategy. I look forward to being part of its next phase of development."