QSR Media UK Dynamic Yield Conference & Awards 2024
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QSR Media UK Dynamic Yield Conference & Awards 2024
OVERVIEW QSR Media UK Dynamic Yield Conference & Awards 2024
New challenges present new opportunities for businesses to innovate. Changing consumer preferences, the rise of new technology, and evolving consumption behaviour have brought out the best in the quick-service restaurant industry. This year, we bring together the industry’s biggest movers and shakers to discuss the broader issues in the QSR industry and find out how to build the restaurant of the future, today.
The event will also witness the celebration of the best and brightest through the QSR Media UK Awards, which recognise the achievements of the top brands, operators, and individuals who have brought outstanding innovation to the industry.
Join us in London for the QSR Media UK Dynamic Yield Conference & Awards 2024.
To view the awards page, click here.
SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS
![Guy Meakin](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-02/square-parsmedia_pret_portraits_23112021_019.jpg?itok=oMWfZwum 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-02/square-parsmedia_pret_portraits_23112021_019.jpg?itok=IjZTq8JC)
Guy Meakin
UK Shops & Franchise Director
Pret A Manger
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-02/square-parsmedia_pret_portraits_23112021_019.jpg?itok=oMWfZwum 1920w)
UK Shops & Franchise Director
Pret A Manger
He is the UK Shops & Franchise Director at Pret A Manger. In his role, he is responsible for overseeing all of Pret’s operations in the UK and Ireland including Shops and Franchises, helping to deliver the business’s ambitious growth plans. He has been at Pret for seven years and has held various roles including Interim UK and Ireland Managing Director, Head of Commercial, UK Food & Coffee Director and UK Trading Director. He is passionate about foodservice and retail, boasting a wealth of experience with other major brands including Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury's and Gu.
![Peter Linden](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-03/peter-linden-photo.jpg?itok=2ObEXRIw 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-03/peter-linden-photo.jpg?itok=vV-SeCVp)
Peter Linden
Associate Director
Circana
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-03/peter-linden-photo.jpg?itok=2ObEXRIw 1920w)
Associate Director
Circana
He is an Associate Director in the UK Foodservice team at Circana, a leading global market research company. He has over 10 years’ experience working with operators and manufacturers in QSR, hospitality and FMCG in market research and consulting roles.
![Craig Neale](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-03/unnamed-1_1.jpg?itok=qOnEy0Zy 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-03/unnamed-1_1.jpg?itok=yTU_La5n)
Craig Neale
Marketing Director
Jollibee
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-03/unnamed-1_1.jpg?itok=qOnEy0Zy 1920w)
Marketing Director
Jollibee
15+ years marketing leadership experience in the leisure and luxury industries including Harry Potter, Aston Martin and Sky.
He has built some of the largest British brands, transforming teams, businesses and products digitally around the world. He was named the 21st most influential person in UK Social Media in 2015 and was awarded the Marketing Excellence Award by CIM in 2010
![Shannon Goldsmith](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/goldsmith-shannon.jpg?itok=0gC8pOed 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/goldsmith-shannon.jpg?itok=v35Rm5aN)
Shannon Goldsmith
Senior Insight Analyst
IGD
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/goldsmith-shannon.jpg?itok=0gC8pOed 1920w)
Senior Insight Analyst
IGD
She specialises in research and analysis in the eating out and food-to-go channels at IGD. Her expertise covers macro trends and shopper and consumer research. Recently, she has been at the forefront of research initiatives such as delving into what drives occasions taking place in and out of home.
![Rosalind Hunter](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/rosalind-hunter_qsr-media-2024.jpg?itok=etc82bsk 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/rosalind-hunter_qsr-media-2024.jpg?itok=HMolZ5BW)
Rosalind Hunter
Partner
Simon-Kucher
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/rosalind-hunter_qsr-media-2024.jpg?itok=etc82bsk 1920w)
Partner
Simon-Kucher
She is a Partner at Simon-Kucher in London and leads the UK Restaurant practice. She has over 12 years’ experience supporting companies to develop and implement sustainable growth strategies. To achieve this her projects combine strategy, analytics and primary customer research to create pragmatic and actionable solutions, working from the initial inception through to implementation.
![Ian Cranna](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/picture-ian-cranna.jpg?itok=qRoL03sQ 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/picture-ian-cranna.jpg?itok=SUD6hjuC)
Ian Cranna
General Manager
Taco Bell UK & Europe
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/picture-ian-cranna.jpg?itok=qRoL03sQ 1920w)
General Manager
Taco Bell UK & Europe
He is the General Manager Taco Bell UK and Europe, part of YUM! Brands. His team oversees 178 Taco Bell restaurants in 5 countries, an estate that has grown at nearly 30 restaurants a year over the last 3 years.
His career spans over 25 years in roles at leading retail brands including BHS, Calvin Klein and Habitat followed by 16 years at Starbucks where he held a number of positions across global territories including Vice President Roastery and Reserve EMEA, Vice President Marketing and Category EMEA, Vice President Marketing UK&I and Global Director of Frappuccino. Highlights include the re-vitalisation of the Frappuccino brand during the early days of social media marketing, the EMEA launch of the Starbucks App and loyalty program and that ‘name on cup’ personalisation strategy, culminating with the launch of the first Starbucks in Italy a 25,000 square foot Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Milan.
He believes strongly in empowering and growing teams and that its good business to make a positive impact to the physical and social world around us. He is a Trustee at TREALOARS, a past Trustee at The Royal Voluntary Society and Vice President of Vesta Rowing Club.
![Matteo Frigeri](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/a-perfocal_09-07-21_c5ptsrql_101.jpeg_standard-1.jpg?itok=RvTbgl3u 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/a-perfocal_09-07-21_c5ptsrql_101.jpeg_standard-1.jpg?itok=AhzsweXy)
Matteo Frigeri
Founder & Business Director
Seeds Consulting
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/a-perfocal_09-07-21_c5ptsrql_101.jpeg_standard-1.jpg?itok=RvTbgl3u 1920w)
Founder & Business Director
Seeds Consulting
He is an accomplished franchise consultant and the founder with David Liveing of Seeds Consulting, a London-based franchise consultancy specialised in the restaurant and experiential leisure industries. Seeds Consulting works with a number of established and fledgling high street brands and it is behind several transformative franchise partnerships both in the UK and EMEA.
![Mayank Patel](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/image_2024_04_05t04_18_20_709z.png?itok=1908gX5R 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/image_2024_04_05t04_18_20_709z.png?itok=QWVTzG-v)
Mayank Patel
Vice President, QSR Strategy
Dynamic Yield by Mastercard
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/image_2024_04_05t04_18_20_709z.png?itok=1908gX5R 1920w)
Vice President, QSR Strategy
Dynamic Yield by Mastercard
He has over 20 years of experience in customer engagement, loyalty, and personalization, working with leading brands across various industries. As the founder and principal consultant of LoyaltyChef, He specializes in optimizing and launching loyalty programs for mid-size restaurant brands, leveraging his extensive expertise and innovative approach.
His mission is to empower his clients to drive customer retention and revenue growth, using data-driven strategies and analytics. He spearheaded successful projects with clients such as Zaxby’s, Dave's Hot Chicken, Big Green Egg, and Dunkin UAE, achieving positive ROI and customer satisfaction. He also led global digital transformations and client success for renowned companies such as McDonald's, Applebee's, Fishbowl, Chase, HSBC and GE, setting new industry benchmarks for customer engagement, loyalty, and personalization.
![Ben Lawrence](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/ben-lawrence_headshot.jpg?itok=dZjB42Mp 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/ben-lawrence_headshot.jpg?itok=A6cMKmq_)
Ben Lawrence
Head of Franchise
PizzaExpress
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/ben-lawrence_headshot.jpg?itok=dZjB42Mp 1920w)
Head of Franchise
PizzaExpress
He joined PizzaExpress as Head of Franchise in January 2023 and is responsible for looking after the brand’s franchisees across 12 international markets, along with leading franchise growth opportunities across the UK and internationally.
With a proven track record in driving organisational effectiveness and profitability, Ben has previously held senior roles across a number of global businesses, including as Global FP&A Manager at Costa Coffee. Prior to this, Ben was the Development Finance Lead at
KFC Ltd.
![James Whitehorn](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/james-whitehorn-kfc.jpg?itok=tRVEJnTG 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/james-whitehorn-kfc.jpg?itok=3FVtxRhK)
James Whitehorn
Chief Development Officer
KFC UK & Ireland
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/james-whitehorn-kfc.jpg?itok=tRVEJnTG 1920w)
Chief Development Officer
KFC UK & Ireland
He is the Chief Development Officer for KFC UK and Ireland, leading the brand's development strategy as KFC continues expanding its restaurant footprint across the market. Under James' leadership, KFC is progressing towards its target of opening 500 restaurants across the UK and Ireland over the next 10 years, accelerating its growth plans and making its much-loved chicken even more accessible to people. He has held several senior positions in finance and operations during his nine year tenure at KFC, and briefly supported KFC Germany as Head of Finance.
![Jon Lake](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/jon-lake-md-chopstix-head-and-shoulders.jpg?itok=pqlWUQqh 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/jon-lake-md-chopstix-head-and-shoulders.jpg?itok=3Co14m4k)
Jon Lake
Managing Director
Chopstix
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/jon-lake-md-chopstix-head-and-shoulders.jpg?itok=pqlWUQqh 1920w)
Managing Director
Chopstix
He is the Managing Director of Chopstix, the UKs largest Asian-inspired QSR, and has been at the helm of the company since 2018.
Highly respected within the hospitality sector, He has over 30 years’ experience in a number of key roles within multinational organisations, including Fine Food Capital, where he was Development Director, and Deloitte, where he was Director of M&A specialising in the licensed retail sector. Prior to that, Jon held senior management posts with both Punch Pubs and Whitbread.
Working closely with Chopstix co-founders, Sam Elia and Menashe Sadik, he has overseen the rapid growth of the group, which comprises Chopstix Noodle Bar, the UK’s largest Asian QSR brand, Yangtze and Chozen, following a recent acquisition. The group’s total number of Asian QSR sites currently sits at over 150. The fast-growing group comprises locations across the UK and Ireland through a mix of equity stores and franchise sites, and has long-term ambitions to reach over 300 sites across Europe by 2027.
![Maria Vanifatova](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/mariavanifatova-1-sq.jpg?itok=MrY5z_Td 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/mariavanifatova-1-sq.jpg?itok=VPuagpFg)
Maria Vanifatova
CEO & Founder
Meaningful Vision
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/mariavanifatova-1-sq.jpg?itok=MrY5z_Td 1920w)
CEO & Founder
Meaningful Vision
She is a CEO and founder of Meaningful Vision, a supplier of a competitor intelligence platform, offering insights into pricing, promotions, locations, and traffic data to the UK foodservice industry. This solution empowers companies to assess their market performance relative to competitors and identify avenues for growth.
She is an executive professional with 25 years of international experience in consultancy, market research, and data analytics for the Retail, Consumer Markets, and Foodservice industries. She has held C-level positions in market research firms, including her role as the Vice President and Head of European Foodservice Practice at The NPD Group. Her passion for data and insights, particularly their practical application, stems from her PhD studies in Knowledge Management.
![Armin Vahabian](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/whatsapp-image-2024-04-30-at-12.02.29-am_0.jpeg?itok=BE0dLkbz 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-05/whatsapp-image-2024-04-30-at-12.02.29-am_0.jpeg?itok=-LAmAGo8)
Armin Vahabian
Founder
Fat Phill's
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/whatsapp-image-2024-04-30-at-12.02.29-am_0.jpeg?itok=BE0dLkbz 1920w)
Founder
Fat Phill's
After getting a taste of an American burger on a visit to the United States, Armin Vahabian set out to bring that flavor across the ocean to his country, the Netherlands. He founded Fat Phill's in Amsterdam in 2019 without any initial investors. Since opening its first location, the American-inspired restaurant chain now operates 17 different locations in the country. Fat Phill's announced a franchise deal to open 100 new sites across the United Kingdom over the next 10 years, an agreement signed with Freshly Baked Limited (which is the franchisee of iconic pretzel chain Auntie Anne's). Vahabian currently employs more than 450 people, is planning on opening his first U.K. location in London in 2024, and has an additional contract in the works to develop five more stores in Germany.
![Asad Khan](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/asad-square.png?itok=V14tYdE8 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-05/asad-square.png?itok=vLL57S48)
Asad Khan
Founder & CEO
Snowflake Gelato
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/asad-square.png?itok=V14tYdE8 1920w)
Founder & CEO
Snowflake Gelato
Asad started his career in Finance, he left the corporate world in 2012 to follow his passion and founded Snowflake Gelato. He has taken Snowflake national and also international with a flagship site at Qatar’s international airport and a second Middle East airport planned for summer this year. Asad is based in London and enjoys hiking with his family.
![Tauqeer Ahmed](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/dsc_2600-1_0.png?itok=X-nYXQ5e 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-05/dsc_2600-1_0.png?itok=Yarm6chQ)
Tauqeer Ahmed
Director, Data & Analytics
KPMG
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/dsc_2600-1_0.png?itok=X-nYXQ5e 1920w)
Director, Data & Analytics
KPMG
He leads Advanced Analytics at KPMG, leveraging AI to optimise decision making for retailers. His areas of focus include location planning, ranging and customer activation. With over 10 years' experience delivering data-driven solutions, he is passionate about helping brands harness cutting-edge technology to enhance customer experience and drive growth. He looks forward to sharing his insights on AI's revolutionary potential in location planning within retail.
![Kanchan Lad](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/profile_kanchanlad.jpeg?itok=Xe3RK0TY 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-05/profile_kanchanlad.jpeg?itok=HyQ5umjk)
Kanchan Lad
Senior Product Manager - Marketing Technology & Loyalty
Papa Johns
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/profile_kanchanlad.jpeg?itok=Xe3RK0TY 1920w)
Senior Product Manager - Marketing Technology & Loyalty
Papa Johns
Kanchan has garnered 16 years of experience in marketing and technology, with a career that spans from QSR to large retail and advertising consultancies. A staunch advocate for diversity and representation, Kanchan actively contributes to Papa Johns’ DE&I efforts, particularly within the LGBTQ+ and API communities.
At Papa Johns, Kanchan has been pivotal in launching cutting-edge marketing technologies that have significantly enhanced customer engagement and retention. And empowered franchisees with tailored technology to reach their local customers and strengthen customer loyalty.
Kanchan led digital media, film and gaming partnerships at Papa Johns before going to the dark side (technology!).
As a panelist at the QSR conference, Kanchan will share insights and examples of leveraging technology to nurture customer loyalty and technological drivers that are shaping the future of QSR marketing.
![Amy Lau](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/1661893167203.jpg?itok=QMkVfwqT 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-05/1661893167203.jpg?itok=6COMDMg5)
Amy Lau
Head of Marketing
Diverse Dining
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/1661893167203.jpg?itok=QMkVfwqT 1920w)
Head of Marketing
Diverse Dining
A seasoned marketing expert with over a decade of international experience in the hospitality, luxury, F&B, and FMCG industries. Currently serving as the Head of Marketing for Diverse Dining LTD in the UK, overseeing renowned brands such as Shake Shack UK, she has spearheaded comprehensive marketing strategies that have driven brand expansion and fostered cross-functional alignment. Recognised for her role in driving brand growth, Amy boasts a track record of successful brand launches, strategic campaigns, and digital innovations. With a passion for driving growth and innovation, Amy is widely acknowledged as a leading industry expert in marketing and brand management.
![Sohail Ali](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/cahiiwala-orig-pic-2.jpg?itok=oF8XgTU9 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-05/cahiiwala-orig-pic-2.jpg?itok=GQod7xmY)
Sohail Ali
Co-Founder
Chaiiwala
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/cahiiwala-orig-pic-2.jpg?itok=oF8XgTU9 1920w)
Co-Founder
Chaiiwala
He is one of the founders of Chaiiwala, the cult Indian street food and chai tea chain. They opened the first ever Indian drive through in the UK last year and are one of the world’s fastest growing independent chains. They are currently working on plans to expand their footprint to the USA, Canada, and the Middle East.
EVENT PROGRAMME
*Subject to change
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM - Networking Registration
9:00 AM - 9:05 AM - Welcome Remarks
- Philippa Charlton, Editor, QSR Media UK
- Mayank Patel, VP QSR Strategy, Dynamic Yield by Mastercard
9:05 AM - 9:35 AM - What Lies Ahead for the Economy and the Eating Out Market?
Using IGD’s economic, market and consumer research, this session will cover the outlook for the economy and total food and drink market for 2024 and beyond. Looking at recent developments and expected changes, IGD will translate what this means for the wider eating out market and the QSR sector specifically.
- Shannon Goldsmith, Senior Insight Analyst, IGD
9:35 AM - 10:10 AM - Leaders Panel
From rising costs to ever-changing consumer trends, this panel gathers the top leaders of the quick-service restaurant industry to talk about how they navigated the biggest challenges of the year and how they led their brands towards growth. Moderated by Seton Leung, Head of UK Foodservice at Circana, the panel includes Sohail Ali, co-founder of Chaiiwala which recently announced plans to expand in USA, and Guy Meakin, UK Shops & Franchise Director of Pret A Manger one of the biggest sandwich chains in the UK, Ian Cranna, General Manager, Taco Bell UK & Ireland, one of the biggest Mexican restaurant chain in the world, and James Whitehorn, Chief Development Officer, KFC UK & Ireland, who was recently acquired back by its parent company.
Moderator:
- Seton Leung, Head of UK Foodservice, Circana
Panelists:
- Sohail Ali, Co-Founder, Chaiiwala
- Guy Meakin, UK Shops & Franchise Director, Pret A Manger
- Ian Cranna, General Manager, Taco Bell UK & Ireland
- James Whitehorn, Chief Development Officer, KFC UK & Ireland
10:10 AM - 10:25 AM - Fact from Fiction - 3 Myths Standing in the Way of You and More Personalised Digital Customer Experiences
Today, consumers expect nothing less than tailored experiences, regardless of the brands they engage with or which industry they operate in. This puts restaurants at a critical juncture, tasking teams with providing greater relevance through personalisation across physical and digital touchpoints if they want to meet demand, protect and improve revenue, as well as foster loyalty.
But is the hype behind personalisation real, and what does success actually look like in 2024?
Join Mayank Patel, former McDonald’s company and QSR leader, to hear real success stories that demonstrate the journey to effective personalisation in the QSR industry is not only possible, but also isn’t as daunting as it may seem.
- Mayank Patel, VP QSR Strategy, Dynamic Yield by Mastercard
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM - The UK QSR consumer: Opportunities in a Changing Market
This presentation will explore how the QSR market is performing against a backdrop of high inflation, tightening budgets and low consumer confidence. Focusing on consumer behaviour, Circana’s presentation will pinpoint the challenges and opportunities for QSR operators and manufacturers in 2024 and beyond.
- Peter Linden, Associate Director, Circana
10:55 AM - 11:30 AM - Morning Tea
11:30 AM - 11:40 AM - Thriving in Turbulence in the Foodservice Market: Growth Opportunities and Success Strategies
This session will cover the following topics: (1) Current market overview: Identifying growing segments and regional variations, (2) The Impact of Inflation on the Sector: Effects across different segments, product categories, and price ranges, (3) Menu and Pricing Strategies: How key players are adapting, and (4) Promotional Support: Strategies key players use to enhance product visibility.
- Maria Vanifatova, CEO & Founder, Meaningful Vision
11:40 AM - 12:10 PM - Marketing Panel
Drawing on diverse expertise across different brands, this panel gathers the top marketing leaders in the QSR industry. Joining this panel is Amy Lau, Head of Marketing, of Diverse Dining who owns Shake Shack and PF Chang’s, Kanchan Lad, Senior Product Manager, Marketing Technology at Papa Johns, and Craig Neale, Marketing Director for Asia’s biggest fast-food business Jollibee.
Moderator:
- Maria Vanifatova, CEO & Founder, Meaningful Vision
Panelists:
- Amy Lau, Head of Marketing, Diverse Dining
- Kanchan Lad, Senior Product Manager, Marketing Technology, Papa Johns
- Craig Neale, Head of Marketing - UK, Jollibee
12:10 PM - 12:40 PM - Chopstix: Accelerating Growth and the Impact of Aquisition
From humble origins to the UK's largest Pan-Asian QSR brand, operating over 100 sites country-wide, the rise of Chopstix has been meteoric in recent years. Managing Director, Jon Lake, discusses the strategy that has made such rapid expansion possible, from a focus on franchising to the acquisition of competitor Chozen Noodle. With the brand now exploring options to enter new markets, Jon Lake reveals what is next for Chopstix.
- Jon Lake, Managing Director, Chopstix
12:40 PM - 1:40 PM - Lunch Break
1:40 PM - 2:35 PM - Awards Programme
2:35 PM - 3:20 PM - Brand Expansion Panel
One of the big questions in QSR is: what does it take to grow your brand via franchising? In this panel, top industry leaders convene to explore strategies for growth and expansion outside company owned outlets. Joining this panel is Ben Lawrence, Head of Franchise Growth at Pizza Express, Armin Vahabian, Founder of Fat Phill's, Asad Khan, CEO and Founder of Snowflake Gelato, and Matteo Frigeri, Founder & Business Director at Seeds Consulting.
Moderator:
Matteo Frigeri, Founder & Business Director, Seeds Consulting
Panelists:
- Ben Lawrence, Head of Franchise Growth, PizzaExpress
- Armin Vahabian, Founder, Fat Phill's
- Asad Khan, CEO & Founder, Snowflake Gelato
3:20 PM - 3:35 PM - AI & Machine Learning: The Future of Location Planning
Tauqeer Ahmed from KPMG will explore how AI is transforming retail location strategy by better understanding consumer behaviour and decision-making. Through real-world examples and data-driven insights, you'll learn how AI uncovers the psychological and emotional factors that influence where consumers choose to shop, often challenging the assumptions of traditional location models. Discover how AI's ability to analyse diverse data points and identify unexpected patterns can help retailers make more informed, customer-centric location decisions in an increasingly complex and competitive marketplace.
- Tauqeer Ahmed, Data & Analytics, Associate Director, KPMG
3:35 PM - 4:05 PM - Afternoon Tea
4:05 PM - 4:25 PM - Is AI the future of pricing?
AI is becoming an increasingly important tool for QSR leaders across brands; however we often see confusion on what it can and can’t do. By breaking the question down into 3 parts we aim to provide clarity on where AI can support your price strategy. Firstly, by addressing what is the future of pricing, then where can AI support and closing by identifying where else AI can support sales and transaction growth.
- Rosalind Hunter, Partner, Simon-Kucher
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Networking Drinks
CONTACT US
For more details, contact:
Jailen Dy
+65 3158 1386
SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS
![Guy Meakin](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-02/square-parsmedia_pret_portraits_23112021_019.jpg?itok=oMWfZwum 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-02/square-parsmedia_pret_portraits_23112021_019.jpg?itok=IjZTq8JC)
Guy Meakin
UK Shops & Franchise Director
Pret A Manger
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-02/square-parsmedia_pret_portraits_23112021_019.jpg?itok=oMWfZwum 1920w)
UK Shops & Franchise Director
Pret A Manger
He is the UK Shops & Franchise Director at Pret A Manger. In his role, he is responsible for overseeing all of Pret’s operations in the UK and Ireland including Shops and Franchises, helping to deliver the business’s ambitious growth plans. He has been at Pret for seven years and has held various roles including Interim UK and Ireland Managing Director, Head of Commercial, UK Food & Coffee Director and UK Trading Director. He is passionate about foodservice and retail, boasting a wealth of experience with other major brands including Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury's and Gu.
![Peter Linden](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-03/peter-linden-photo.jpg?itok=2ObEXRIw 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-03/peter-linden-photo.jpg?itok=vV-SeCVp)
Peter Linden
Associate Director
Circana
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-03/peter-linden-photo.jpg?itok=2ObEXRIw 1920w)
Associate Director
Circana
He is an Associate Director in the UK Foodservice team at Circana, a leading global market research company. He has over 10 years’ experience working with operators and manufacturers in QSR, hospitality and FMCG in market research and consulting roles.
![Craig Neale](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-03/unnamed-1_1.jpg?itok=qOnEy0Zy 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-03/unnamed-1_1.jpg?itok=yTU_La5n)
Craig Neale
Marketing Director
Jollibee
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-03/unnamed-1_1.jpg?itok=qOnEy0Zy 1920w)
Marketing Director
Jollibee
15+ years marketing leadership experience in the leisure and luxury industries including Harry Potter, Aston Martin and Sky.
He has built some of the largest British brands, transforming teams, businesses and products digitally around the world. He was named the 21st most influential person in UK Social Media in 2015 and was awarded the Marketing Excellence Award by CIM in 2010
![Shannon Goldsmith](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/goldsmith-shannon.jpg?itok=0gC8pOed 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/goldsmith-shannon.jpg?itok=v35Rm5aN)
Shannon Goldsmith
Senior Insight Analyst
IGD
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/goldsmith-shannon.jpg?itok=0gC8pOed 1920w)
Senior Insight Analyst
IGD
She specialises in research and analysis in the eating out and food-to-go channels at IGD. Her expertise covers macro trends and shopper and consumer research. Recently, she has been at the forefront of research initiatives such as delving into what drives occasions taking place in and out of home.
![Rosalind Hunter](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/rosalind-hunter_qsr-media-2024.jpg?itok=etc82bsk 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/rosalind-hunter_qsr-media-2024.jpg?itok=HMolZ5BW)
Rosalind Hunter
Partner
Simon-Kucher
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/rosalind-hunter_qsr-media-2024.jpg?itok=etc82bsk 1920w)
Partner
Simon-Kucher
She is a Partner at Simon-Kucher in London and leads the UK Restaurant practice. She has over 12 years’ experience supporting companies to develop and implement sustainable growth strategies. To achieve this her projects combine strategy, analytics and primary customer research to create pragmatic and actionable solutions, working from the initial inception through to implementation.
![Ian Cranna](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/picture-ian-cranna.jpg?itok=qRoL03sQ 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/picture-ian-cranna.jpg?itok=SUD6hjuC)
Ian Cranna
General Manager
Taco Bell UK & Europe
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/picture-ian-cranna.jpg?itok=qRoL03sQ 1920w)
General Manager
Taco Bell UK & Europe
He is the General Manager Taco Bell UK and Europe, part of YUM! Brands. His team oversees 178 Taco Bell restaurants in 5 countries, an estate that has grown at nearly 30 restaurants a year over the last 3 years.
His career spans over 25 years in roles at leading retail brands including BHS, Calvin Klein and Habitat followed by 16 years at Starbucks where he held a number of positions across global territories including Vice President Roastery and Reserve EMEA, Vice President Marketing and Category EMEA, Vice President Marketing UK&I and Global Director of Frappuccino. Highlights include the re-vitalisation of the Frappuccino brand during the early days of social media marketing, the EMEA launch of the Starbucks App and loyalty program and that ‘name on cup’ personalisation strategy, culminating with the launch of the first Starbucks in Italy a 25,000 square foot Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Milan.
He believes strongly in empowering and growing teams and that its good business to make a positive impact to the physical and social world around us. He is a Trustee at TREALOARS, a past Trustee at The Royal Voluntary Society and Vice President of Vesta Rowing Club.
![Matteo Frigeri](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/a-perfocal_09-07-21_c5ptsrql_101.jpeg_standard-1.jpg?itok=RvTbgl3u 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/a-perfocal_09-07-21_c5ptsrql_101.jpeg_standard-1.jpg?itok=AhzsweXy)
Matteo Frigeri
Founder & Business Director
Seeds Consulting
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/a-perfocal_09-07-21_c5ptsrql_101.jpeg_standard-1.jpg?itok=RvTbgl3u 1920w)
Founder & Business Director
Seeds Consulting
He is an accomplished franchise consultant and the founder with David Liveing of Seeds Consulting, a London-based franchise consultancy specialised in the restaurant and experiential leisure industries. Seeds Consulting works with a number of established and fledgling high street brands and it is behind several transformative franchise partnerships both in the UK and EMEA.
![Mayank Patel](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/image_2024_04_05t04_18_20_709z.png?itok=1908gX5R 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/image_2024_04_05t04_18_20_709z.png?itok=QWVTzG-v)
Mayank Patel
Vice President, QSR Strategy
Dynamic Yield by Mastercard
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/image_2024_04_05t04_18_20_709z.png?itok=1908gX5R 1920w)
Vice President, QSR Strategy
Dynamic Yield by Mastercard
He has over 20 years of experience in customer engagement, loyalty, and personalization, working with leading brands across various industries. As the founder and principal consultant of LoyaltyChef, He specializes in optimizing and launching loyalty programs for mid-size restaurant brands, leveraging his extensive expertise and innovative approach.
His mission is to empower his clients to drive customer retention and revenue growth, using data-driven strategies and analytics. He spearheaded successful projects with clients such as Zaxby’s, Dave's Hot Chicken, Big Green Egg, and Dunkin UAE, achieving positive ROI and customer satisfaction. He also led global digital transformations and client success for renowned companies such as McDonald's, Applebee's, Fishbowl, Chase, HSBC and GE, setting new industry benchmarks for customer engagement, loyalty, and personalization.
![Ben Lawrence](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/ben-lawrence_headshot.jpg?itok=dZjB42Mp 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/ben-lawrence_headshot.jpg?itok=A6cMKmq_)
Ben Lawrence
Head of Franchise
PizzaExpress
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/ben-lawrence_headshot.jpg?itok=dZjB42Mp 1920w)
Head of Franchise
PizzaExpress
He joined PizzaExpress as Head of Franchise in January 2023 and is responsible for looking after the brand’s franchisees across 12 international markets, along with leading franchise growth opportunities across the UK and internationally.
With a proven track record in driving organisational effectiveness and profitability, Ben has previously held senior roles across a number of global businesses, including as Global FP&A Manager at Costa Coffee. Prior to this, Ben was the Development Finance Lead at
KFC Ltd.
![James Whitehorn](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/james-whitehorn-kfc.jpg?itok=tRVEJnTG 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/james-whitehorn-kfc.jpg?itok=3FVtxRhK)
James Whitehorn
Chief Development Officer
KFC UK & Ireland
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/james-whitehorn-kfc.jpg?itok=tRVEJnTG 1920w)
Chief Development Officer
KFC UK & Ireland
He is the Chief Development Officer for KFC UK and Ireland, leading the brand's development strategy as KFC continues expanding its restaurant footprint across the market. Under James' leadership, KFC is progressing towards its target of opening 500 restaurants across the UK and Ireland over the next 10 years, accelerating its growth plans and making its much-loved chicken even more accessible to people. He has held several senior positions in finance and operations during his nine year tenure at KFC, and briefly supported KFC Germany as Head of Finance.
![Jon Lake](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/jon-lake-md-chopstix-head-and-shoulders.jpg?itok=pqlWUQqh 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/jon-lake-md-chopstix-head-and-shoulders.jpg?itok=3Co14m4k)
Jon Lake
Managing Director
Chopstix
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/jon-lake-md-chopstix-head-and-shoulders.jpg?itok=pqlWUQqh 1920w)
Managing Director
Chopstix
He is the Managing Director of Chopstix, the UKs largest Asian-inspired QSR, and has been at the helm of the company since 2018.
Highly respected within the hospitality sector, He has over 30 years’ experience in a number of key roles within multinational organisations, including Fine Food Capital, where he was Development Director, and Deloitte, where he was Director of M&A specialising in the licensed retail sector. Prior to that, Jon held senior management posts with both Punch Pubs and Whitbread.
Working closely with Chopstix co-founders, Sam Elia and Menashe Sadik, he has overseen the rapid growth of the group, which comprises Chopstix Noodle Bar, the UK’s largest Asian QSR brand, Yangtze and Chozen, following a recent acquisition. The group’s total number of Asian QSR sites currently sits at over 150. The fast-growing group comprises locations across the UK and Ireland through a mix of equity stores and franchise sites, and has long-term ambitions to reach over 300 sites across Europe by 2027.
![Maria Vanifatova](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/mariavanifatova-1-sq.jpg?itok=MrY5z_Td 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-04/mariavanifatova-1-sq.jpg?itok=VPuagpFg)
Maria Vanifatova
CEO & Founder
Meaningful Vision
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-04/mariavanifatova-1-sq.jpg?itok=MrY5z_Td 1920w)
CEO & Founder
Meaningful Vision
She is a CEO and founder of Meaningful Vision, a supplier of a competitor intelligence platform, offering insights into pricing, promotions, locations, and traffic data to the UK foodservice industry. This solution empowers companies to assess their market performance relative to competitors and identify avenues for growth.
She is an executive professional with 25 years of international experience in consultancy, market research, and data analytics for the Retail, Consumer Markets, and Foodservice industries. She has held C-level positions in market research firms, including her role as the Vice President and Head of European Foodservice Practice at The NPD Group. Her passion for data and insights, particularly their practical application, stems from her PhD studies in Knowledge Management.
![Armin Vahabian](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/whatsapp-image-2024-04-30-at-12.02.29-am_0.jpeg?itok=BE0dLkbz 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-05/whatsapp-image-2024-04-30-at-12.02.29-am_0.jpeg?itok=-LAmAGo8)
Armin Vahabian
Founder
Fat Phill's
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/whatsapp-image-2024-04-30-at-12.02.29-am_0.jpeg?itok=BE0dLkbz 1920w)
Founder
Fat Phill's
After getting a taste of an American burger on a visit to the United States, Armin Vahabian set out to bring that flavor across the ocean to his country, the Netherlands. He founded Fat Phill's in Amsterdam in 2019 without any initial investors. Since opening its first location, the American-inspired restaurant chain now operates 17 different locations in the country. Fat Phill's announced a franchise deal to open 100 new sites across the United Kingdom over the next 10 years, an agreement signed with Freshly Baked Limited (which is the franchisee of iconic pretzel chain Auntie Anne's). Vahabian currently employs more than 450 people, is planning on opening his first U.K. location in London in 2024, and has an additional contract in the works to develop five more stores in Germany.
![Asad Khan](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/asad-square.png?itok=V14tYdE8 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-05/asad-square.png?itok=vLL57S48)
Asad Khan
Founder & CEO
Snowflake Gelato
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/asad-square.png?itok=V14tYdE8 1920w)
Founder & CEO
Snowflake Gelato
Asad started his career in Finance, he left the corporate world in 2012 to follow his passion and founded Snowflake Gelato. He has taken Snowflake national and also international with a flagship site at Qatar’s international airport and a second Middle East airport planned for summer this year. Asad is based in London and enjoys hiking with his family.
![Tauqeer Ahmed](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/dsc_2600-1_0.png?itok=X-nYXQ5e 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-05/dsc_2600-1_0.png?itok=Yarm6chQ)
Tauqeer Ahmed
Director, Data & Analytics
KPMG
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/dsc_2600-1_0.png?itok=X-nYXQ5e 1920w)
Director, Data & Analytics
KPMG
He leads Advanced Analytics at KPMG, leveraging AI to optimise decision making for retailers. His areas of focus include location planning, ranging and customer activation. With over 10 years' experience delivering data-driven solutions, he is passionate about helping brands harness cutting-edge technology to enhance customer experience and drive growth. He looks forward to sharing his insights on AI's revolutionary potential in location planning within retail.
![Kanchan Lad](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/profile_kanchanlad.jpeg?itok=Xe3RK0TY 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-05/profile_kanchanlad.jpeg?itok=HyQ5umjk)
Kanchan Lad
Senior Product Manager - Marketing Technology & Loyalty
Papa Johns
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/profile_kanchanlad.jpeg?itok=Xe3RK0TY 1920w)
Senior Product Manager - Marketing Technology & Loyalty
Papa Johns
Kanchan has garnered 16 years of experience in marketing and technology, with a career that spans from QSR to large retail and advertising consultancies. A staunch advocate for diversity and representation, Kanchan actively contributes to Papa Johns’ DE&I efforts, particularly within the LGBTQ+ and API communities.
At Papa Johns, Kanchan has been pivotal in launching cutting-edge marketing technologies that have significantly enhanced customer engagement and retention. And empowered franchisees with tailored technology to reach their local customers and strengthen customer loyalty.
Kanchan led digital media, film and gaming partnerships at Papa Johns before going to the dark side (technology!).
As a panelist at the QSR conference, Kanchan will share insights and examples of leveraging technology to nurture customer loyalty and technological drivers that are shaping the future of QSR marketing.
![Amy Lau](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/1661893167203.jpg?itok=QMkVfwqT 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-05/1661893167203.jpg?itok=6COMDMg5)
Amy Lau
Head of Marketing
Diverse Dining
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/1661893167203.jpg?itok=QMkVfwqT 1920w)
Head of Marketing
Diverse Dining
A seasoned marketing expert with over a decade of international experience in the hospitality, luxury, F&B, and FMCG industries. Currently serving as the Head of Marketing for Diverse Dining LTD in the UK, overseeing renowned brands such as Shake Shack UK, she has spearheaded comprehensive marketing strategies that have driven brand expansion and fostered cross-functional alignment. Recognised for her role in driving brand growth, Amy boasts a track record of successful brand launches, strategic campaigns, and digital innovations. With a passion for driving growth and innovation, Amy is widely acknowledged as a leading industry expert in marketing and brand management.
![Sohail Ali](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/cahiiwala-orig-pic-2.jpg?itok=oF8XgTU9 1920w)
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/sc_10/public/2024-05/cahiiwala-orig-pic-2.jpg?itok=GQod7xmY)
Sohail Ali
Co-Founder
Chaiiwala
![](https://www.cmgassets.com/s3fs-public/styles/judges/public/2024-05/cahiiwala-orig-pic-2.jpg?itok=oF8XgTU9 1920w)
Co-Founder
Chaiiwala
He is one of the founders of Chaiiwala, the cult Indian street food and chai tea chain. They opened the first ever Indian drive through in the UK last year and are one of the world’s fastest growing independent chains. They are currently working on plans to expand their footprint to the USA, Canada, and the Middle East.