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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Jun- 2025 -9 JunePubs and Bars
McMullens FY pre-tax profits rise 34.4% to £16.4m
Brewery and pub operator, McMullen’s, has reported that its profits before corporation tax jumped by 34.4% to £16.4m in the year to 28 September 2024, due to a strong performance in its retail division. While the group has stated that, in nominal terms, its profit performance now exceeds pre-pandemic levels,…
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9 JunePeople
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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4 JuneRestaurants
McDonald’s UK&I appoints new chief marketing officer
McDonald’s UK and Ireland has announced the appointment of Ben Fox as SVP, chief marketing officer. Fox replaces Michelle Graham Clare, who has taken on a global role as chief marketing officer and corporate vice president for the international operated markets segment (IOM). Fox has worked in the UK&I market…
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3 JuneCatering Companies
Aramark UK appointed as AFC Wimbledon’s new catering partner
Food services and facilities management group Aramark UK has been appointed as AFC Wimbledon’s new catering partner in a multi-year deal, following a competitive tender process. Aramark UK will operate all food and beverage outlets in the stadium, including the hospitality level, kiosks, the pub, as well as managing independent…
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May- 2025 -23 MayPeople
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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22 MayRestaurants
German Doner Kebab opens first Norwich site
German Doner Kebab has opened its very first site in Norwich, located on 43 St Stephens Street today (22 May 2025). The new Norwich location will create over 20 new jobs and offer GDK’s signature offering of meat, salad, handmade sauces and waffle bread. The OG Kebab includes your choice…
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19 MayPeople
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 MayPeople
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 MayPeople
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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9 MayNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 09/05/25
Tasty has narrowed its operating loss from £2.6m to £1.6m in the year to December 2024, while its post-IFRS 16 operating profit rose by 33% to £0.4m. It comes as the owner and operator of dim t and Wildwood restaurants closed 16 sites through the restructuring plan it initiated in…
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