Various Eateries names new CEO

Mark Loughborough has been appointed chief executive of Various Eateries, the restaurant group behind the Noci and Coppa Club brands.

He will join the board and start his role at the business, which is backed by hospitality entrepreneur Hugh Osmond, on 20 January.

 

Loughborough has more than 30 years of experience in the industry including 14 years at Young’s as both retail director and executive board member, where he oversaw the operation of 280 pubs and 1,085 bedrooms, and managed £490m in revenue.

 

Various Eateries reported a £6.7m loss before tax in the year ended October 2023 but saw revenue rise 12% to £45.5m. Last year the group said it remained confident in the “long-term prosperity” of the business and that market conditions had created “a generational opportunity akin to the casual dining revolution of the 1990s”.

 

Loughborough said he looked forward to working with the team to unlock the group’s “full potential”.

 

Meanwhile, Various Eateries has announced several other changes to its board. Andy Bassadone will transition from executive chairman to executive director and continue to focus on Noci’s success as its founder.

 

Bassadone said: "Mark’s exceptional leadership, strategic vision and focus on operational excellence have been pivotal in shaping one of the most respected companies in the hospitality sector. His experience and expertise align perfectly with our goals of driving growth and enhancing profitability and I am delighted to welcome him to the group. 

 

At the same time, Glyn Barker, non-executive director, will assume the role of non-executive chairman. Barker is chairman of Irwin Mitchell and has significant public markets experience from roles including chairman of house builder Berkeley Group, director of drilling contractor Transocean and senior independent director of insurance company Aviva.

 

Barker said: "With Mark coming on board as chief executive, the group is well-positioned to enter its next phase of growth.”