New boss aims for growth at TGI Friday's

The new managing director of Whitbread's TGI Friday's is planning to expand the restaurant chain and boost its profitability.

Tim Hammond, 44, was appointed last week. He was formerly corporate development director at Whitbread, charged with seeking new business growth opportunities.

Whitbread chief executive Alan Parker said: "Tim has strong marketing, strategic and general management credentials and I am confident that he will provide strong leadership for TGI Friday's."

Hammond said: "I believe TGI Friday's has enormous opportunities for growth and increased profitability."

He replaces Guy Parsons, who moved to budget hotel chain Travelodge in June.

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