One of the top executives at BrewDog is quitting to become the new boss of the pubs and bars giant behind the Slug & Lettuce chain.

Sky News has learnt that David McDowall, BrewDog's president and chief operating officer, is to join Stonegate Group, which trades from 4,500 pubs across Britain.

An industry source said the appointment would be announced publicly later on Wednesday.

Mr McDowall, who has worked for BrewDog in senior roles for the last eight years, will replace Simon Longbottom, Stonegate's long-serving boss.

The departing chief is expected to step down in the first quarter of next year.

Mr McDowall's decision to leave comes amid persistent speculation that BrewDog, which now has 100 of its own bars, will eventually seek to join the public markets.

At Stonegate, he will be joining the UK's largest pubs operator, with brands including Be At One, Popworld and Walkabout.

Stonegate has been majority-owned by TDR Capital since it was formed in 2010 through the acquisition of 330 pubs from Mitchells & Butlers.

The leadership transition will be announced as pub operators across Britain warn they are being hurt by soaring energy costs, leading to predictions of mass closures.

Stonegate could not be reached for comment.