Gaucho Group, the Argentine steak restaurant group, has appointed former Mitchells & Butlers director Oliver Meakin as its new chief executive.
He replaces founder and long-term CEO Zeev Godik, who stepped down in November.
Meakin, who was director of emerging concepts at M&B before joining Maplin Electronics, where he is currently chief executive, will join Gaucho on 29 January. Until then the group will continue to be led by its management team, including chief operating officer Tracey Matthews and chief financial officer Frank Bandura.
Gaucho chairman Paul Mason said: “After working with Oli at Somerfield I am confident that he will bring not only his expertise in developing retail and food businesses to the role, but also his trademark energy and hands-on approach as we continue to pursue our ambitious plans for UK and international growth. I am delighted that he has joined Gaucho Group and look forward to working with him again.”
Meakin said: “Joining Gaucho Group represents an exciting opportunity for me to return to restaurants, a sector which I am particularly passionate about. I believe there are significant opportunities for the Gaucho and CAU brands, which are recognised for offering fantastic Argentinian steak and customer-recognised, industry-leading service. I am looking forward to working with the highly-experienced and passionate Gaucho and CAU colleagues, to continue to develop both Gaucho and CAU, alongside the Group’s experienced and supportive investors, Equistone Partners Europe.”
During his time at M&B, Meakin managed Miller & Carter and launched TUK CHO.
His appointment follows a raft of changes at Gaucho, including the surprise departure of Godik after 41 years at the helm of the company he founded.
That announcement came less than a week after ex-ASDA chief executive Paul Mason replaced Luke Johnson as chairman of the group.
Godik said he wanted to consider wider interests and new opportunities based in Dubai where he and some of his family now live. He will remain a shareholder alongside Equistone Partners Europe and Johnson.
The group is understood to be targeting growth for both its epnymous brand and CAU as well investing in existing sites.
The roles of chief operating officer Tracey Matthews and chief financial officer Frank Bandura are expected to remain as before, as they support Meakin and Mason in their new roles.
The group currently operates 16 sites under its eponymous brand, as well as 22 CAU restaurants.
