The Restaurant Group brings Patisserie Valerie boss on board as non-executive director

Patisserie Valerie chief executive Paul May has been appointed a non-executive director of The Restaurant Group (TRG).

May, who has been in charge at Patisserie Valerie since 2006, will join TRG's board on 3 July this year.

Meanwhile TRG has also announced the departure of non-executive director Sally Cowdry, who is retiring on 31 August.

Debbie Hewitt, chairman, said: "I am pleased to welcome Paul to the company. As well as his strong sector credentials and his broad strategic and commercial insight, he brings a wealth of experience as a listed company director. I am sure that he will add considerable value to our board and we look forward to working with him."

TRG, which has nearly 500 restaurants across the country and whose casual dining brands include the likes of Frankie & Benny's and Chiquito, endured a 1.8% fall in like-for-like sales for the 20 weeks to 21 May this year.

TRG is currently in the throes of turning around its leisure business, which has struggled with poor sales.

Sales slip at The Restaurant Group >>

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