Arc Inspirations has appointed Ciara Allan as its new chief financial officer following the departure of Tim Knockton, who leaves the bar group to pursue other opportunities.
The business has also promoted Laura Lewis from head of marketing to marketing director.
Allan will join the bar group in September and brings with her significant experience in privately-owned and private equity-baked businesses across a number of different sectors, having previously led the sale of Cooplands Bakery to EG Group, and more recently supporting shareholders on the asset sale of the Woven Group.
Arc Inspirations said she was joining at a transformational time for the business as it looks to expand its footprint, funded by the recent £19m investment from BGF.
Meanwhile Lewis has been promoted following three years as head of marketing and will join the board as it readies itself for the next stage of growth.
Arc has four flagship sites due to open over the next 12 months, including Box in Nottingham and Manahatta in Newcastle, to add to its current estate of 19 bars across the North of England and the Midlands. It is targeting 50 sites by 2030.
Arc Inspirations co-founder and CEO Martin Wolstencroft said: “We’re thrilled to be adding two fantastic leaders to our board. Ciara has vast experience as a CFO and as a leader who has defined and driven the financial strategy of highly successful businesses, including working with BGF, and I have no doubt she will be a great asset to Arc during what is a very exciting period of growth for the business.
“Laura’s promotion is richly deserved. Since joining us, she has built a great team and shown an unrelenting dedication and commitment to Arc. She has been an instrumental driver in promoting our brand values and we are excited to welcome her to our Board.
“I would also like to thank Tim Knockton, who has been a valuable member of the senior leadership team. Tim played a key role in helping Arc navigate the challenges of the pandemic and in securing investment from BGF, and we wish him well for the future.”
The business has also announced it will be hosting its first company-wide summer party called Arc in the Park, with all 19 sites to close for the celebrations on 4 July.
