Various Eateries has announced Oli Williams is to step down as CFO and director of the company with effect from 11 November, to pursue other opportunities.

The owner and operator of the Coppa Club and Tavolino brands further announced that James Darwent will replace Williams as CFO on an interim basis, starting on 26 September. For the remainder of his time at the company, Williams will work alongside Darwent.

Darwent has previously held senior finance roles including finance director at The Big Table Group, group finance director at global restaurant business Azumi, and global head of finance at retail brand AllSaints.

Williams joined Various Eateries in 2018 and has since strengthened the finance function of the business while playing integral roles in the company’s listing on AIM and navigating the pandemic.

Andy Bassadone, executive chairman, said: “Oli has played an important role in the development of the business over the last few years.

“First in helping us prepare for and make the transition to becoming a listed company, secondly in his decisive management of the challenges posed by Covid, and thirdly in putting the right systems and processes in place to enable us to scale and meet our growth ambitions for years to come. On behalf of the Board and our colleagues, I would like to thank him for his contribution.

“At the same time, the Board and I would like to welcome James to the team. He brings a wealth of knowledge and relevant experience with him which will help facilitate the future progress of the business. I look forward to working with James as we continue to execute on our expansion strategy.”

Williams said: “Since I joined Various Eateries, the Company has made significant progress, despite the obstacles posed by the pandemic, and is now primed to deliver on its expansion plans.

“It has been a privilege to lead the finance team over the past four years - through our IPO and in rising to the challenges in the period that followed - and I will look back on my time at the business fondly. The Company has a host of opportunities and a bright long-term future ahead of it.”

Darwent said: “Various Eateries’ proposition is a compelling one and, with the Group now making encouraging headway in its expansion plans, this is an exciting time to be joining the team. I look forward to getting started and contributing to the continued success of the business.”