Crêpeaffaire has appointed João Noronha Lopes as non-executive chairman.
The announcement comes as the crêpe-led concept, which operates 26 UK and international sites, plans to take the brand to 50+ new locations over the next five years through a combination of company-owned and franchised openings in the UK and internationally.
Lopes, who has 20 years’ global senior management experience mainly in the FMCG and hospitality sectors, is described as a specialist in franchising.
He spent 18 years with McDonald’s – joining as director of franchising for South Europe and working his way up to corporate VP and chief franchising officer for the business globally - before founding VIRA Frangos and taking on additional advisory roles.
“João has an unrivalled wealth of international experience in hospitality, and we are delighted to have him on board at this critical moment for our brand and its growth,” Daniel Spinath, Crêpeaffaire’s, founder, said.
“He shares our vision and excitement, and I look forward to working closely with him as we take the business through its next stage of expansion, both in the UK and overseas.”
Lopes said he had long admired Crêpeaffaire and its leadership team and was delighted to be joining the brand.
“Its unique positioning provides a huge opportunity for development through partnerships and franchising, both in the UK and globally. I very much look forward to taking the business to the next level with Daniel and his team.”
In May, founder Daniel Spinath told MCA how Crêpeaffaire was planning to debut an evening concept in Leicester Square as part of a £3m investment by Hippodrome Casino.
Site openings have also been planned for Guildford and Kingston, he said.
