The Restaurant Group plc (LON:RTN) today announced the appointment of Andy Hornby as CEO. We will update on Andy Hornby’s start date in due course and at the same time, will confirm the date on which Andy McCue will step down as CEO.
Andy Hornby is an experienced company Chief Executive, with strong consumer and digital credentials. He is currently Co Chief Operating Officer of GVC Holdings PLC (“GVC”), the sports betting and gaming group. Andy joined Gala Coral in 2011. Over the last eight years he has been successively Chief Executive of Coral, Chief Operating Officer of Gala Coral, Chief Operating Officer of Ladbrokes Coral (following the merger with Ladbrokes in 2016) and Co Chief Operating Officer of GVC (following the purchase by GVC in 2018). Throughout this period Coral and then Ladbrokes Coral and finally GVC have delivered significant shareholder value.
Prior to joining Gala Coral, Andy was Group Chief Executive of Alliance Boots from 2009 to 2011, having previously held positions as Chief Executive of Halifax Retail, CEO of the Retail Division of HBOS plc, Chief Operating Officer of HBOS plc and then Chief Executive of HBOS plc from 2006 to the end of 2008. Earlier in his career Andy held a range of roles at Asda, the supermarket retailer, including Retail Managing Director and Managing Director of ‘George’ clothing.
Debbie Hewitt MBE, The Restaurant Group Chairman, said;
“I am delighted to welcome Andy to the Company. He brings very relevant consumer, people and brand-led CEO credentials, with experience leading a multi-site retail business which is undergoing digital transformation. Andy’s extensive retail background, proven hands-on operational expertise, and experience of integrating businesses position him well to provide the leadership required to deliver the next phase of our strategy.”
Andy Hornby said:
“I am delighted to be joining The Restaurant Group as CEO at such an exciting time. This is a great business, with strong brands, committed colleagues and tremendous potential to grow. I recognise that this sector of the market faces considerable challenges, but The Restaurant Group has a set of casual dining and pub brands that offer significant potential. I’m excited to have the opportunity to lead the team and look forward to getting out and meeting colleagues when I join.”
