Ayerst steps down from Leon with Glenn Edwards appointed new MD

Leon has announced that Nick Ayerst has stepped down as managing director of its restaurant business, with Glenn Edwards, currently director of growth and culture at Leon to take up the role of MD with immediate effect, MCA can reveal.

Edwards, who was managing director of Leon (USA) until March 2021, has been brought in to lead the healthy fast-food chain on the next stage of its growth journey following its acquisition by multi-billion-pound forecourt operator EG Group, in April this year.

“Glenn is the right person to take the business to the next level and drive forward its restaurant strategy,” a spokesperson for Leon told MCA. “Leon is a strong and much-loved brand, that is well positioned for growth in the market.”

Ayerst, who steps down by mutual agreement, joined Leon in September last year from The Restaurant Group, where he was managing director of its Concessions business.

Leon said Ayerst had ”supported the team throughout this short and challenging period”. “We would like to thank Nick for his unwavering support, strategic contribution and professionalism during his time at Leon. We wish him the very best for the future.”

The business announced it would be opening its first drive thru site, in West Yorkshire, this autumn, as part of plans to open around 10-12 new sites this year, before increasing the pace of its roll out to around 20 sites per year from 2022, as part of EG Group’s continued investment in the business.

 Ashley Davis remains managing director of Leon Grocery. The business said it saw ”significant opportunities” for Leon’s non-restaurant products across its convenience retail proposition.

In March this year Leon announced it had made the decision to exit the US market after just two years, closing its four sites in Washington DC and Virginia, in order to focus on the UK and Continental Europe, due to the impact of the pandemic.