Wasabi founder Dong Hyun Kim to step away from executive role

Over the last year, he brought South Korean fried chicken brand Pelicana​​ and Japanese udon concept Kineya​​.

Dong Hyun Kim, the founder of Wasabi, is stepping away from the company to focus on developing his other business interests.

Whilst he will not linger have an executive role in the company, Kim will remain a minority shareholder and director in Wasabi.

Kim, who founded the brand in 2003, took a step back from day-to-day involvement in the business following the investment by Capdesia in May 2019 and the subsequent appointment of Henry Birts as CEO in November 2019.

Over the last year, he brought South Korean fried chicken brand Pelicana​​ and Japanese udon concept Kineya​​ to the UK, both of which he intends to expand.

“On behalf of the entire company and its shareholders, we would like to congratulate Mr Kim personally for everything that he has achieved in his extraordinary career and thank him for the immense contribution he has made to building Wasabi over so many years,” Birts said in a statement.

"With a strong and experienced leadership team in place and the steadfast backing of our investors, we are now well placed to take Wasabi on the next phase of its journey. We will do so always honouring the essence of Mr Kim’s creation and his personal legacy.”