Market Halls has appointed former Laine Pub Company MD Dan Hills as its new managing director and CEO designate, as the five-strong food hall group aims to double its estate and reach sales exceeding £100m over the next three years.
Hills, who spent more than two decades at Laine Pub Co including four years as MD, will take over the CEO role from founder Andy Lewis-Pratt, who will move into a board-level position focused on scaling the business.
The appointment follows a period of rapid growth for Market Halls, including the launch of a flagship site in Paddington and the acquisition of Shelter Hall in Brighton, which has now been integrated into the group.
Lewis-Pratt said the new leadership structure would help support the next phase of the company’s expansion: ”This allows me to shift my focus to scaling the business in a new board role, as we aim to double our footprint and deliver growth.”
”[Dan’s] proven track record in steering growth and creating long-term value aligns perfectly with Market Halls’ bold vision.”
Commenting on his appointment, Hills said: “I’ve admired the Market Halls business for many years and am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead it through the next stage of growth.”
Backed by Gees Court Partners, Market Halls currently operates venues in Victoria, Oxford Street, Canary Wharf, Paddington, and Brighton, and is actively seeking further opportunities across the UK.
Esat Kolege, managing partner at Gees Court, said: “Andy and the Market Halls team have created an incredible business that’s redefining the UK hospitality and food hall sector. Our latest opening in Paddington is off to a fantastic start, trading well ahead of expectations, while we’ve successfully integrated our latest acquisition Shelter Hall into the Market Halls portfolio. We’re actively looking to pursue further opportunities like this as we expand across the UK.”
