The Restaurant Group has announced that Alan Jackson is retiring as chairman after 15 years to be succeeded by Debbie Hewitt, MBE.
Hewitt, who was appointed as a non-executive director of the company last May, will become the group’s non-executive chairman with effect from its AGM on 12 May 2016.
Jackson informed the company’s shareholders in 2014 that he would retire in this year.
The company said that Jackson played a pivotal role in initially turning around the then ailing City Centre Restaurants and subsequently building the company into a leading restaurant business.
It said: “He has shown strong and insightful leadership throughout his tenure, delivering a strong succession plan for the Board.”
The group said that Hewitt is an accomplished company director with extensive public company expertise in the consumer sector both as an executive and as a non executive director, including current non executive roles as chairman of Moss Bros Group Plc and senior non-executive director of Redrow Plc and NCC Group Plc.
Jackson said: “I am delighted that Debbie has agreed to succeed me. She has strong business credentials and I know that she will add insight and guidance to the Board. The Restaurant Group has been on a tremendous journey and it has been a privilege to be a part of its growth and development. It is a fantastic company and I have a very high regard for the team. I wish everyone involved in the business every success in the future.”
Debbie Hewitt said: “The Board of The Restaurant Group wishes to extend its gratitude to Alan for his contribution to the success of the company. The Restaurant Group has great brands and highly talented people and Alan has played an important role in bringing strategic vision, strong market insight and leadership of the Board throughout his tenure as chairman. He has taken a proactive role in preparing the Board for his succession. I look forward to working with the management team to deliver the next phase of the company’s growth.”
