Oliver Meakin replaces Zeev Godik as CEO of Gaucho Group

Gaucho Group, which operates the Gaucho and Cau restaurant brands, has appointed Oliver Meakin as chief executive officer.

Meakin will start his new role on 29 January. He will replace Zeev Godik who departed the business in November last year.

He joins from Maplin Electronics where he held the position of CEO for two years. His previous experience includes Somerfield supermarkets and Miller & Carter steakhouses.

Group Restaurateur of the Year at the 2012 Catey Award winner Godik stepped down in November after 41 years at the helm of the business. He remains as a shareholder in the group.

Meakin said: "Joining Gaucho Group represents an exciting opportunity for me to return to restaurants, a sector which I am particularly passionate about. I am looking forward to working with the highly-experienced and passionate Gaucho and Cau colleagues, to continue to develop both Gaucho and Cau, alongside the Group's experienced and supportive investors, Equistone Partners Europe."

Paul Mason, non-executive Chairman of Gaucho Group, added: "After working with Oli at Somerfield I am confident that he will bring not only his expertise in developing retail and food businesses to the role, but also his trademark energy and hands-on approach as we continue to pursue our ambitious plans for UK and international growth. I am delighted that he has joined Gaucho Group and look forward to working with him again."

Gaucho has a portfolio of 16 restaurants in the UK, following the opening of two new sites in Birmingham and Edinburgh, and 22 CAU branches across the UK.

The Group also operates restaurants in Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Argentina.

Luke Johnson stepping down from Gaucho Group board >>

Gaucho Group's Zeev Godik steps down after 41 years >>

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