wagamama names new chairman
Allan Leighton was appointed as the company’s Non-Executive Chairman.
David Campbell, CEO of wagamama, said, “The last year has been a record one for wagamama, thanks to our highly talented teams in the restaurants and at noodle hq, and now with Allan on board we look forward to achieving even greater growth both in the UK and importantly internationally. I am very excited by Allan’s arrival. The years ahead will be very good ones for wagamama.”
Peter Taylor, Managing Partner of Duke Street, principal investors in wagamama alongside Hutton Collins, said, “We are delighted to welcome Allan to the company. His breadth of experience as a Chairman, particularly in multi-unit retail businesses, is hard to match and we are thrilled he agreed to join us.”
Leighton said: “wagamama is in greatshape. I have had a chance to meet a large number of the team – at hq and also in restaurants - and I am impressed by what has already been achieved, but more importantly what is planned over the next few years. We have a lot of ambition and I look forward to adding my experience and perspective to help realise that ambition.”
Leighton replaces David Williams who stepped down as Non-Executive Chairman at the end of 2014 following increased commitments as Chairman of The PGA European Tour.
He was previously CEO of Asda and then, following its sale to Wal-Mart, President and CEO of Wal-Mart Europe. He then took on a career which has included Directorships at companies such as Dyson, Cannons Group, BHS, BSkyB Group and Selfridges; as well as President of Loblaw Companies and CEO of Pandora.
Leighton has also been Chairman of lastminute.com and Royal Mail and is currently Chairman of Pace, Entertainment One, Office, Matalan and was recently appointed Chairman of The Co-operative Group.
