Oriental brand Chopstix has appointed Rob Burns, previously of Harry Ramsden’s, to the newly created position of marketing director with immediate effect.
With a career spanning three decades, Burns joins from Harry Ramsden’s where he held a similar position.
Prior to that, he held senior marketing posts both in house and within agencies, working with brands including Burger King, Little Chef and Whitbread-owned Costa Coffee.
Chopstix chief operating officer Max Hilton Jenvey said: “With his first-class track record and wealth of experience, Rob is widely respected within our industry, so we are naturally extremely pleased to announce his appointment to this important new role within Chopstix. As we gear the business for continued growth, we are delighted to have someone of Rob’s calibre and expertise to oversee the development and implementation of the brand marketing strategy and franchise programme that will complement our corporate development.”
Chopstix, which was founded by Menashe Sadik and Sam Elia, has 42 company-owned and 32 franchised sites in the UK and Ireland and has doubled its outlet count in just 18 months.
With further growth in mind, Chopstix said it is currently engaged in franchise negotiations with several high-profile, multi-site operators and already counts motorway service operators Welcome Break and Applegreen among its growing base of franchise partners.
Burns said: “Research indicates Asian influenced foods are among the fastest growing in the UK so with its contemporary look and feel, excellent product offering and mass market appeal, Chopstix is perfectly positioned to quickly become brand leader in this field. I’m delighted to be joining Chopstix at this exciting time and look forward to contributing towards further developing the brand, allowing our franchise partners to continue to reap the rewards of their investment.”
