Pub giant Wetherspoon has appointed four local managers to its board.
The company said it made the decision on its new appointments after consultation with shareholders and employees who agreed "more pub experience" was needed at board level.
More than 100 applications were received from managers from across the country - with four eventually being selected as employee directors and associate employee directors.
The appointments - which have been made for an initial three year term - include employee directors Debbie Whittingham who is the regional manager for the West Midlands, and Hudson Simmons, area manager for Sheffield.
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Debbie, who lives in Ipstones, near Stoke-on-Trent, said: "I am tremendously proud to work for Wetherspoon and I am incredibly excited and honoured to have been chosen for this role.
"Wetherspoon has always been forward thinking and innovative and I see this role as another example of that.
"The success of the company has largely been driven by incredible people.
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"The company values and culture has always been centred around our belief that running pubs well is a 'people thing.'
"This role is an extension of this, further putting our employee voice right at the heart of the company."
Elsewhere, Will Fotheringham who is the regional manager for the Manchester area, and Emma Gibson, pub manager of the Imperial in Exeter, have been appointed as associate employee directors.
Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin, said: "A successful pub company depends primarily on gradual improvements, based on suggestions from employees.
"Pub and area managers, and other members of pub teams, have always participated in weekly decision-making meetings, which distil suggestions from the 'front line.
"The appointment of employee directors will extend this approach to board meetings and will help to preserve the culture of the company for the future.
"Wetherspoon is pleased to welcome Debbie, Hudson, Will and Emma to their new roles."