Leadership
We spotlight leadership across the UK foodservice and hospitality sector, from executive appointments and strategic decision-making to crisis management and cultural change. This gathers our reporting on the individuals and teams shaping the direction of restaurant groups, pub chains, catering companies, and food-led businesses. Whether you’re a founder scaling up, an F&B director guiding brand evolution, or an operator navigating market headwinds, our leadership coverage explores what effective management looks like in a fast-changing industry, with real-world lessons for decision-makers at every level.
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Jul- 2025 -9 JulyPeople
Wendy’s names interim CEO as Kirk Tanner departs for Hershey
Wendy’s has announced that president and chief executive Kirk Tanner will leave the fast-food chain on 18 July to take up the same role at the Hershey Company. The news has sparked a search for a permanent replacement by the board of directors. In the meantime, Ken Cook, chief financial…
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8 JulyCafes and Coffee Shops
Starbucks UK expands youth leadership scheme
Starbucks UK has launched the second round of its Accelerated Leadership Programme, aiming to fast-track more than 20 young people from entry level to store manager within 13 months. The scheme, which opened for applications yesterday (7 July) during Youth Employment Week, offers a management-level qualification that typically takes three…
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7 JulyTrade Associations
HOSPA appoints Chris Cowls as new chairman
The Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA) has announced the appointment of Chris Cowls MBE as its new chairman. Cowls has been a member of the HOSPA Board since 2020 and will take over the role from Bob Silk, who has served in the position since 2022. He began his career in…
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4 JulyFeatures
Loungefest: the day hospitality pauses to party
Ragley Hall was responsible for hosting “the biggest bash in hospitality” – Loungefest 2025 – earlier this month. By mid-morning, coaches carrying Lounge’s whole staff had begun arriving from Durham, Southampton, West Wales, and nearly every town in between. For all of Loungers’ people to participate, nearly 300 venues –…
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Jun- 2025 -26 JunePeople
Valiant Pub Company appoints new CEO amid leadership reshuffle
Valiant Pub Company has announced the appointment of chief operating officer Mark McGinty as chief executive, with co-founder Gerry Carroll moving to the role of executive chairman. The leadership change will take effect from 1 July. McGinty and Carroll launched Valiant in October 2021 in partnership with investment firm Njord…
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25 JuneFood and Drink
Oak View Group appoints new senior VP of operations
Oak View Group (OVG) has appointed Simon Hanna as its new senior vice president of operations. Hanna joins the company from Freemans Event Partners where he was COO, bringing over 15 years of experience in global hospitality, live events and venue operations. In his new role he will oversee the…
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24 JuneCatering Companies
Eurest announces new MD for local accounts
Contract caterer Eurest has announced the appointment of Alex Ricketts as its new local accounts managing director. He joins the company following 15 years with the wider Compass Group UK and Ireland business. He was previously strategic partnerships director for Eurest and first joined Compass in October 2010. In his…
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18 JunePubs and Bars
Hydes appoints new GM and invests £550k in Sale pub
Hydes Brewery has appointed Niam Kenny as new general manager and committed £550,000 to refurbishing The Old Plough in Ashton on Mersey. Kenny steps into her new role following the major investment in the Sale venue, one of the oldest in Hydes’ estate. She brings 14 years of experience in…
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18 JunePeople
Yum Brands appoints new CEO
Yum Brands has announced that chief financial and franchise officer Chris Turner will take over the role of chief executive from 1 October 2025. Turner will succeed current chief executive David Gibbs, who plans to retire after 37 years with the company. Gibbs will remain in post until the end…
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16 JunePubs and Bars
Timothy Taylor FY turnover rises 6% to £35m
Brewery and pub operator, Timothy Taylor, has seen its turnover rise 6% to £35m in the year to 30 September 2024, as brand sales improved on the previous year and gross profits increased by 9.5% to £19.4m. Production and procurement efficiencies, alongside lower energy costs, offset some of the additional…
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