PizzaExpress chief executive David Campbell departs the business

PizzaExpress CEO David Campbell has left the casual dining group “for personal reasons”.

Campbell, formerly chief executive of Wagamama and the Ivy Collection, joined PizzaExpress towards the end of 2020, saying it would be an “honour to steer the company to even greater heights”.

PizzaExpress has said that managing director Zoe Bowley and CBO Jo Bennett will report directly to chairman Allan Leighton until a successor is appointed.

Earlier this month the group said it was pursuing plans to open 50 new UK restaurants as it began to recover from the pandemic.

In a trading update, the casual dining chain said it was optimistic for the future following a "transformational" year for the business, which included a £335m refinancing deal.

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