Your Team
ALAN SAYERS
Job Title:
Operations Director
What do you do at Iona?
I oversee every aspect of the business, I manage the team, ensuring everything runs as smoothly as possible. As well as Looking after our pubs in mainly the East Coast of Scotland.
What’s your favourite Iona pub?
Black Fox, excellent transition with fantastic operator.
Prior to joining the tenancy team at Iona I’ve had the experience of working for several fast paced and varied operators. This included LT Management Services , Power league, Goals Soccer and Football Federation Victoria. I also ran my own business which gave me an invaluable insight into the issues and rewards of being your own boss. I am a positive and proactive professional with extensive management experience and enjoy spotting new opportunities and find it satisfying when results can be clearly seen. I hope to continue the positive business growth within my area by supporting partners and ensuring their business is sustainable.
JIM MCDOUGALL
What do you do at Iona?
Business Development Manager ( East of Scotland)
What’s your favourite Iona pub?
Hermitage bar in Morningside Edinburgh.
A bit about your roles prior to Iona- Grew up in the licensed trade and had my own pub for 13 years, then last 15 years in Leased and tenanted sector of the licensed trade. Specialising in turnaround businesses for 4 years before returning to quality partner led businesses.
ANDREW MORGAN
Job Title:
Food Development Manager
What do you do at Iona?
Anything involving food development within the pubs – from creating, costing and implementing menus to making sure everyone is safe in and around their kitchens
What’s your favourite Iona pub?
The Black Fox. Great refurbishment , great offer.
I spent the first year of my career working for Ken McCulloch as a commis chef in his Glasgow restaurants, Charlie Parkers and La Provençale before moving on to commercial catering with The Compass Group for over 30 years. Here I started out as a chef and progressed to the role of Regional Food & Beverage manager.
Most recently I worked within the leased division of Belhaven before joining Iona in 2012.
DAVID SYME
Job Title:
Legal Director
What do you do at Iona?
Together with Gill Pierce, we provide legal support to the Iona BDMs, mainly on leases and lease variations but also on any other legal matters.
What’s your favourite Iona pub?
Redmonds
I worked as a solicitor (starting as a trainee then for many years after qualifying) with Burness Paull, one of the largest commercial law firms in Scotland. My specialist subject was commercial property and I acted for clients large and small in purchasing, developing, leasing and financing an array of offices, shops, pubs, warehouses and the like.
I also tutor in corporate law and conveyancing on the University of Glasgow’s post-graduate diploma course.
SEAN MCGONIGAL
What do you do at Iona?
I look after anything graphics and marketing
What’s your favourite Iona pub?
Cardross Inn is a great place to stop by for a bite to eat and a drink after a good walk on the Arrochar Alps!
Since graduating from Duncan of Joardanstone, I have held a variety of roles from Duty Manager in several pubs, working for a print company in the Education sector and most recently looking after the design and marketing at the Aurora Hotel Collection before joining the Iona Team where I can use my wealth of experience to help each business grow.