The Alchemist has made several senior internal promotions as it gears up for international expansion.
The bar and restaurant business will open its first international venue, in Berlin, in May, and is looking at opportunities in the US and the Emirates.
David Oxtoby has been promoted from regional operations director to director of operations, while Michelle Gandy has been promoted from head of finance to director of finance.
Oxtoby will oversee the UK estate, leading a team of operations managers to deliver exceptional site performance. He has been with the business for 10 years, with previous roles including operations manager.
Gandy, who has also been with the group since it was founded in 2010, will continue to work closely with CFO Vic Stewart, managing all aspects of finance across the wider company.
Simon Potts, chief executive, The Alchemist, said “We’re looking forward to a big year for The Alchemist, with the launch of our first international venue in Berlin now confirmed for the May bank holiday weekend. Germany is a very exciting development for us – the start of a new adventure for our city brand, with excellent opportunity for growth over the next few years.
“Following our takeover project in Singapore last year, we’re confident in the brand’s ability to resonate with an international audience. Of course, future expansion is contingent on the continued performance of our UK business; we’re very happy to recognise and secure the services of David and Michelle, both of whom have been involved with the company since its inception in 2010.”
