Various Eateries poaches RedCat CFO

Various Eateries is set to appoint Sharon Badelek as chief financial officer (CFO), with effect from 1 April 2023.

Badelek has a career spanning more than 30 years, having held financial leadership positions at several high-profile leisure and hospitality businesses.

Most recently, she was CFO of RedCat Pub Company, where she was “instrumental” in acquiring 110 pubs in a 12-month period. 

Earlier in her career, Badelek was UK finance director and later group finance director at Vue Entertainment. As part of the original executive team, she played a leading role in several major acquisitions, with the rollout leading to an increase in EBITDA from £31m to £110m. After nine years there, she was said to be “influential” in selling the business for £950m.

Badelek has also held the roles of CFO of Inspired Villages Group, a retirement village developer and operator; CFO and later CEO of Novus Leisure Limited, a London pub and nightclub operator; CFO of Westpoint Veterinary Group; financial controller and later group financial controller at Holmes Place Health Clubs and group chief accountant at Carlton Communications Plc.  

She will replace James Darwent, who has acted as CFO on an interim basis since 11 November 2022, and is an executive director of the board. Darwent will continue in his position as interim CFO but will step down from the role, and as a director of the company with effect from 1 April 2023.

Andy Bassadone, executive chairman of Various Eateries, said: “Sharon has an impressive track record in scaling customer-centric businesses in our industry and I have no doubt the knowledge and experience she has built over several decades of good and bad markets will be of great benefit to Various Eateries as we pursue our growth ambitions. Sharon was the outstanding candidate for the role, and I am delighted to welcome her to the team.

“At the same time, I would like to thank James Darwent for the important role he has played at the Company over the past few months. He slotted in seamlessly at a crucial time for the business and, on behalf of the board and everyone at Various Eateries, I wish him all the best.”

Badelek added: “With strong brands that resonate with the modern consumer, a highly experienced senior team and a clear strategy for expansion, Various Eateries has an exciting opportunity to grow into a leading name in UK hospitality. I look forward to working closely with Andy, Hugh and Yishay to help the company fulfil its potential and create value for all stakeholders.”