LEON, the naturally fast food brand, has announced that it has bolstered its management team with two significant financial hires as it prepares for substantial growth.
Antony Perring will head up the LEON finance department as chief financial officer, while Chris Burford will take on the role of director of finance. The pair worked together at Wagamama for almost a decade as financial director and financial controller, during which time the restaurant group tripled in size from 35 to 110 company-owned sites.
In total they have over 45 years’ combined experience in working across private equity and venture capital backed enterprises in the hospitality, leisure, IT, retail and financial services sectors.
LEON currently operates 21 sites and plans to open 12 new sites in 2015, with Kingsway in Holborn set to open later this month.
“Chris and I are both hugely excited to be joining LEON, a fantastic brand punching well above its weight, and with a huge future,” says incoming chief financial officer, Anthony Perring. “We can’t wait to contribute to this growth story, playing our part in LEON’s mission to change the face of fast food.
LEON Co-Founder and CEO John Vincent adds: “To achieve our potential we need a team of world-class leaders who have relevant experience, and who share our values. Antony and Chris were the lead candidates in a very thorough and far-reaching search. Just as important as their experience is the positivity and strength of character they display. I wish them a very long and prosperous career with us.”
“They’re joining at a really exciting time for LEON. 2014 was a very strong year, and we now have big plans for this year, with twelve new restaurant openings. Antony and Chris are important to this growth, and to cementing our position as the original founders of, and leaders in, naturally fast food.”
