Abokado gears up for growth with new appointments

The chain appoints a new operations director and operations manager and promises further senior hires in 2018.

Abokado has announced Kara Alderin, former head of operations at London's independent pub operator Fuller’s, as the company’s new operations director. She replaces Richard Zivkovic who, following three years with Abokado, is leaving to pursue other interests.

The company has also recently appointed Stuart Macnab-Grieve, formerly of Wildwood Restaurants, as an operations manager and has invested further within the operations function by creating two new roles including a brand standards executive.

Abokado CEO Mark Lilley said, “I’m really excited to welcome Kara into the Abokado family. She has a wealth of relevant experience from her time at Fuller’s, where I know she was extremely highly regarded. Kara believes passionately in our vision and values and I’m sure will add enormously to our business. She heads up an operations team which has seen considerable investment over the past few months, which is already translating to an improved customer experience and positive sales momentum.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Richard for his contribution to Abokado over the past three years. The Board and management team wish him every success for the future. Further senior hires are planned for 2018, as we look to take advantage of a weak trading and property environment and gear up for growth.”