People

The latest news and updates on people in the industry, from the business journalists at Catering Today. We bring you the latest on what’s happening in the restaurants, bars and catering industry, with exclusive stories, analysis, best practice and industry comment.

Jun- 2025 -

9 June

Kate Nicholls appointed as UKHospitality chair

UKHospitality has announced that current CEO Kate Nicholls OBE is to step up to the new role of chair, while current deputy CEO Allen Simpson will transition to CEO. At the same time, current non-executive chairman, Steve Cassidy, will move to become president. The move will enable Nicholls and Simpson…
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May- 2025 -

29 May

City of London Corporation elects new Licensing Committee chairman

City of London Corporation has announced the appointment of John Fletcher as its new Licensing Committee chairman. In his new role, he will ensure that the committee exercises the City Corporation’s local authority licensing function under the Licensing Act 2003. As such, he is responsible for licensing premises for the…
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23 May

Thomas Heier steps down as Wagamama CEO

Wagamama boss Thomas Heier has decided to step down from his role as CEO after eight years to pursue other opportunities. Heier joined Wagamama in 2017 as people director before taking over as CEO in 2021, playing an instrumental role in leading the business through the numerous sector challenges over…
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19 May

Ole & Steen appoints former Starbucks director as CMO

Danish bakers Ole and Steen has announced the appointment of Sarah Harris as its new group chief marketing officer as the brand continues to accelerate its growth.Harris joins the business from today (19 May), bringing over 25 years of experience in retail and hospitality marketing to the role, having previously…
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19 May

Pret appoints former Restaurant Brands CEO as chairman

Pret A Manger has announced the appointment of José Cil, former CEO of Restaurant Brands International, which owns brands such as Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes, as its new chairman. Cil helped grow that business to more than $40bn (£29.88bn) in system-wide sales and 30,000 restaurants in more than…
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14 May

JKS Restaurants cements leadership team with two MD appointments

JKS Restaurants has shaken up its leadership team with the appointment of Joanne Searley and Laura Irving as managing directors. Searley, former COO, is now managing director of Sabor, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng and Speedboat Bar, while Irving, former chief marketing officer, is now managing director of Trishna, Gymkhana, Brigadiers,…
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2 May

Rhubarb Hospitality appoints new executive chef of events

Rhubarb Hospitality Collection (RHC) has announced the appointment of Kieran Reilly as its new executive chef of events. Reilly brings a wealth of experience in luxury hospitality and event catering, having most recently served as culinary director at Rocket Food. Prior to that role, he was executive chef at Lush…
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Apr- 2025 -

30 April

Roadchef appoints Tim Gittins as new CEO

Roadchef Limited has announced the appointment of Tim Gittins as its new CEO. Gittins brings over 15 years of board level experience in the motorway services sector. Prior to Roadchef, he served as chief revenue officer at Bink, a UK-based loyalty app. He has also held other senior positions including…
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25 April

Market Taverns appoints new COO

Market Taverns has announced the promotion of Adrian Laws to chief operating officer. Laws joined Market Taverns in June 2024 as operations director having previously held senior operations positions at Youngs, Hippo Inns and Oakman Inns. In his new role, he will take on some wider responsibilities and work closely…
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2 April

Fuller’s announces board changes as non-exec director retires

Fuller’s has announced some changes to its board, as Helen Jones, having served six years as an independent non-executive director and chair of the remuneration committee, has retired from her role. As a result, Jane Bednall has joined the board as an independent non-executive director. She also serves on the…
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