Nick Hurrell, the managing partner of George & Dragon, formerly Enter, the marketing and media communications agency, has been appointed the non-executive chairman of The Groucho Club, following the c£40m management buyout of the private members club.
Hurrell, who takes over from John Lewis OBE, advised Matt Hobbs, the chief executive at The Groucho Club, and Ken Steven, the finance director, on the deal, which completed earlier this week.
The team has backing from Alcuin Capital Partners, Isfield Investments and some individual investors, including Hurrell. It was previously owned by Graphite Capital, which will remain a shareholder.
Hobbs said the Soho-based arts and media club now has the investment needed to open a second site in New York, and plans to launch a third club.
He said “Work will now commence to find the right building in which to make our New York home. This year we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Groucho Club and we are extremely ambitious for its future in America and beyond. Each investor brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will help further accelerate the expansion and growth of the business.
“I would like to thank John Lewis for the last eight years in his role of chairman of the Club. His support, leadership and experience has been appreciated by me and I’m sure felt by members during his time here. Nick Hurrell will join the management team as chairman having been instrumental in bringing this plan together. Nick has been a hugely supportive and active member of the Club for 15 years.”
