Market Halls appoints Laine founder as non-exec director
The UK-based street food hall operator has set a target to double its estate over the next three years
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Food hall operator Market Halls has announced the appointment of Gavin George, founder and former chief executive of Laine Pub Company, to its board as a non-executive director.
George, who left Laine last year after nearly 30 years leading the pub and brewing business he co-founded, joins Market Halls as it pushes ahead with growth plans. The company recently opened a new site in Paddington and acquired Shelter Hall in Brighton, bringing its estate to five venues, alongside sites in Oxford Street, Canary Wharf and Victoria.
According to Gees Court Partners, the investment firm backing Market Halls, George’s arrival would support the operator’s expansion strategy.
Esat Kolege, a partner at the investment firm, said: “Gavin’s appointment to the board brings extensive hospitality expertise and a forward-thinking approach, which we feel will be invaluable as we focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences and continue our expansion programme across the UK.”
Market Halls, which has positioned itself as a pioneer of the permanent street food hall model in the UK, has set a target to double its estate over the next three years.
George added: “The founder, Andy Lewis-Pratt, and his team have built an exceptional business and I’m delighted to be invited to join. The discovery, choice and accessibility that Market Halls offers its customers and the potential that the food hall environment brings to the supercharging of that experience, is a very exciting proposition to me.”
The appointment follows that of former Laine managing director Dan Hills, who was named Market Halls managing director and chief executive designate in July.
Hills said: “I had the good fortune to work with Gavin for 25 years, so I know how much value he can add in helping shape our strategy and in supporting our team in the decisions that significantly impact the direction of the business.”
George also holds advisory roles with Punch Pubs and Co and The Revel Collective, is a trustee of hospitality charity Team Domenica, and sits on the councils of UKHospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
