David Campbell, the former head of London’s O2 Arena, and the man once tipped to succeed Bernie Ecclestone as the head of Formula One motor racing, is set to be named as the new chief executive of Wagamama.
According to The Times, Campbell, who until recently led Formula One’s marketing and hospitality, will take on the role left vacant by the sudden departure of Steve Easterbrook in April after less than a year in the job, in September.
Campbell joined F1 two years ago as managing director of its Allsport unit, which handles all advertising, sponsorship and hospitality.
The veteran of the entertainment industry had previously turned the O2 Arena, the former Millennium Dome in Greenwich, into the world’s most popular music venue and was chief executive and president of its parent company, AEG Europe.
Before that, he worked for Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group for 11 years rising to become boss of Virgin Radio and masterminding the sale of the station to Scottish broadcaster SMG for £225m.
David Williams, chairman of Wagamama, said: “I am delighted to welcome David as the CEO of wagamama. His proven leadership and his experience developing some of the UK’s biggest leisure brands will be invaluable as we continue to expand wagamama both in the UK as well as in other global markets. David is an entrepreneurial and motivated leader, with a very strong commercial focus, and we look forward to working with him at this important stage in wagamama’s development.”
Campbell said: !This is an exciting and unique opportunity; great people throughout the company, food that is as good and relevant today as it’s ever been, and a brand with fantastic DNA. I look forward to being part of the team as we continue to grow wagamama.”
He replaces Easterbrook, who returned to his former employer McDonald’s, as executive vice president and global chief brand officer.
Wagamama, which is backed by Duke Street Capital, current operates 94 sites in the UK and 39 mainly franchised restaurants overseas.
It is currently looking to open between 15-20 sites a year.
