Former Ivy and Wagamama CEO joins Rare Restaurants as it eyes 30 sites

Hospitality veteran David Campbell has been appointed non-executive chairman of Gaucho owner Rare Restaurants as it looks to grow to 30 UK sites.

Campbell is currently chair at bakery brand Ole and Steen and has experience overseeing fast-growing restaurant brands.

He was previously chief executive of Wagamama, the Ivy Collection and PizzaExpress and led AEG Europe when it launched London’s O2 arena.

Rare currently operates 22 Gaucho steakhouses nationwide as well as the M restaurant in the City of London.

The group said it saw double-digit turnover growth in 2023 with like-for-like sales rising 23% on 2019 levels. This was driven by three new openings in Newcastle, Cardiff and London’s Covent Garden.

Martin Williams, chief executive of Rare, said: “David joining the company as chairman will assist us on taking the business to the next level.

“In past years we have seen brilliant growth in cities, towns and local neighbourhoods. With a pipeline of 30 UK locations, we will continue to grow our brands in a sustainable manner.”

Campbell added: “Martin and the exec team have proved the M and Gaucho brands have become an industry success story and I look forward to a fantastic future at Rare.”

Campbell is also the chair of the Hospitality Rising recruitment drive, which paused its campaign in April after generating around 300,000 job applications.