Roxy Leisure has appointed Ben Warren as managing director in order to support the leisure group’s growth plans.

Warren, who returns to Roxy Leisure following five years as managing director at Concept Taverns, will support Roxy’s chief executive Matthew Jones as the operator of Roxy Lanes, Roxy Ballroom and new concept King Pins looks to accelerate its expansion.

Roxy has seven openings planned for 2023, followed by a further six in 2024, which would take its estate to 26 sites.

Warren, who had previously served as operations manager at Roxy, was responsible for all operations at Leeds-based Concept Taverns, including new site opening strategies.

His work at Concept Taverns resulted in the company growing from three to 11 sites between 2018 and 2022, increasing their team from 35 to 185. He also implemented a new head office team and a long-term goal of 20 sites for the company before 2025, said Roxy.

Commenting on his appointment, CEO Matt Jones, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Ben back to the Roxy Leisure family as our managing director.

“Ben is bringing a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role as well as plenty of passion for the hugely successful Roxy brand.

“With a busy year ahead with six openings planned, we’re excited to get stuck in with Ben and work on growing Roxy Leisure even further.”

Warren added: “I have been familiar with the brand for a long time after serving as its operations manager from 2013 - 2017 and I’m a big fan of their concept. We’re set for a very busy 2023 and I’m excited to be jumping straight in.”