Duncan Garrood has been appointed chief executive of Bill's Restaurants, replacing Mark Fox, who is leaving due to personal reasons.
Former Punch Taverns chief executive Garrood assumes his new role with immediate effect and will lead the company as it enters a new phase of development and expansion.
There is "substantial" investment planned for the chain, including a new concept at several new sites with menus that offer daily changing specials. The first of the three new restaurants opens in St Albans this week, and will be followed by two in London, offering seated bar areas with dip and snack menus.
Garrood said: "I'm delighted and honoured to join the team at Bill's. We have some exciting and ambitious growth plans for more sites across the country."
A spokesman for Bill's said: "We are delighted that Duncan is joining us. He will lead a great team in expanding Bill's across the country.
"Mark Fox has decided to step down as CEO with immediate effect due to personal reasons. We'd like to thank Mark for his contribution to developing Bill's and wish him every happiness and success."
Fox was appointed the first chief executive of Bill's in 2016. Bill's was founded as a fresh produce store and café in Lewes, East Sussex by greengrocer Bill Collison in 2000. There are now over 80 restaurants across the UK.
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Bill's appoints new chief executive >>
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