Harald Samuelsson is to step down as joint managing director of Cote at the end of the year, with Alex Scrimgeour set to become chief executive of the BC Partners-backed chain, M&C has learnt.
It is understood that Samuelsson, who joined the 70-strong company with Scrimgeour seven years ago when the then Richard Caring-backed concept had three sites, is leaving the business to concentrate on commitments outside the sector.
Alongside Scrimgeour and finance director Paul Aitchison, Samuelsson has developed Cote into one of the most successful casual dining restaurant brands in the UK market.
The business was crowned best concept at this year’s Retailer’s Retailer.
Samuelsson and Scrimgeour have overseen two management buyouts over the last three years, with the company being acquired by BC Partners earlier this year in a c£250m deal.
Samuelsson, who leaves the company amicably, will remain an ongoing investor in the business.
It is thought that following Samuelsson’s decision to step down, BC Partners asked Scrimgeour to become chief executive to oversee the group’s next stage of growth.
It plans to open a further c15 sites in 2016, with sites in Weybridge, Worcester, Woking, Harrogate, Edinburgh, Leamington Spa and Lincoln already secured.
The company will open 15 sites in total this year, with an opening to come in Haywards Heath in December
Openings next year will include the group’s second site in Scotland and its first in Edinburgh.
