Pub operator Mitchells and Butlers (M&B) has confirmed the appointment of Adam Fowle as the company's new chief executive, two months after he took up the position on an interim basis.

Fowle was named acting chief executive on 21 May after the M&B board accepted the resignation of former incumbent, Tim Clarke, following a 47.6 per cent decrease in pre-tax profits for the 28 weeks to 11 April 2009. Formerly managing director of M&B's pubs and bars division, Fowle rejoined the company in 2005 as business development director following a two-year spell as retail director at Sainsbury's. He joined the M&B board in 2007 as managing director for restaurants.

M&B chair Drummond Hall said: "The board appointed Adam as chief executive after an extensive search process which considered both internal and external candidates. Adam will continue to build on the excellent track record he has already developed at the company and, drawing on his wealth of experience, will continue to drive the business's strong performance."