Leon names new head of acquisition

Fast-food brand Leon has announced the appointment of Beth Emmens as its new head of acquisitions.

Emmens will be leading the charge in the continued search for the “best” sites and locations in the UK for Leon’s expansion.

She will be “strengthening Leon’s existing relationships” and is “keen to hear” from landlords, agents and property developers to help her bring Leon’s naturally fast food to more locations.

Emmens has worked at Leon for nine years, having joined in 2021, and has experience and understanding of the Leon business. 

In her new role, she has taken the reins from Adam Blaker, both of whom have been a “key part” of growing Leon to 70 sites and taking the company to the rest of the UK, including Brighton, Birmingham, Manchester and Oxford.

A run of new Leon openings is slated for this autumn, including Kings Road, Camden, the brands first Drive Thru in Gildersome in West Yorkshire, and a new travel hub concept in Holtspur.

Glenn Edwards, Leon managing director, said: “Beth has been a loved member of the Leon family for many years now, having worked alongside Adam Blaker to secure many of our most successful properties. 

“She is a natural fit to take the lead as head of acquisitions, continuing Adam’s legacy making Leon even more accessible throughout the UK.”

Emmens said: “I’m delighted to get back to looking for great new sites and bringing our naturally fast food to more people in London and across the UK. 

“We are currently in construction on Kings Road, in Camden and Kingston in London and I’m working closely with the EG team on regional acquisitions to accelerate our growth outside of London, where there is a huge opportunity for us.”