John Branagan leaves the stove to take on non-exec role at Living Ventures

Living Ventures executive chef director John Branagan has taken on a non-executive role at the 42-strong restaurant and bar group.

Branagan is a founding director of the North West operator, joining the board in 1999 as it launched the Living Room on Manchester's Deansgate.

Branagan said: "Having spent the last 20 years at the stove, guiding some wonderful individuals through to executive positions over the years in the Living Room, Alchemist, Gusto and New World Trading to name a few, I am really excited about my ongoing role at Living Ventures, which allows me to continue to assist the teams at Blackhouse, Australasia and Grand Pacific in the next part of their journey, while allowing me time to explore new opportunities. I'm not hanging up my knives just yet."

Living Ventures chairman Jeremy Roberts added: "I am delighted that John has agreed to remain on the board. His experience and knowledge is vital as we pass on skills to the next generation of talented chefs that we are bringing through each of the businesses."

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