Directional Pizza appoints new Europe CEO

Directional Pizza has announced the appointment of Gino Casciani as its new chief executive for Europe, effective 9 September. 

Casciani has held senior roles at Pret a Manger, KFC, Taco Bell and Odeon Cinemas Group. He was most recently global chief operating officer at Sushi Daily, part of KellyDeli Group, where he oversaw more than 1,500 sushi concession sites across Europe, Mexico and the Middle East.

He has also served as vice-president of international operations and managing director for Taco Bell and KFC businesses across the UK and Europe.

At Directional Pizza, Casciani will be responsible for leading brand modernisation and driving growth across the UK and European markets.

Directional Pizza refers to Pizza Hut restaurants in the UK acquired by US private equity firm Directional Capital as part of a pre-pack administration process. The firm purchased Heart With Smart, Pizza Hut’s UK dine-in franchise partner, through its DC London Pie entity.

The acquisition forms part of a wider strategy to expand Pizza Hut’s presence in Europe, with a focus on the UK, Denmark and Sweden. 

Emily Curtis, chief people officer at Directional Pizza, said: “Gino’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment for Directional Pizza, as we begin to transform the way Pizza Hut shows up across our markets.

“His extensive experience within other major quick-service restaurant brands and strong leadership skills will be key to unlocking that next chapter of innovation and brand growth.”