Andy Hornby, the former HBOS chief executive who presided over the bank’s collapse, has become the £630,000-a-year plus bonuses chief executive of Frankie & Benny’s owners.
The Restaurant Group operates over 650 restaurants and pub restaurants throughout the UK and its principal trading brands are Wagamama, Frankie & Benny's, Chiquito and Brunning & Price.
Hornby's start date is still to be confirmed after Andy McCue, the current CEO, steps down.
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Andy Hornby is an experienced company chief executive, with strong consumer and digital credentials. He is currently co-chief operating officer of GVC Holdings, the sports betting and gaming group. Hornby joined Gala Coral in 2011.
Over the last eight years he has been chief executive of Coral, chief operating officer of Gala Coral, chief operating officer of Ladbrokes Coral (following the merger with Ladbrokes in 2016).
Prior to joining Gala Coral, Hornby was group chief executive of Alliance Boots from 2009 to 2011, having previously held positions as chief executive of Halifax Retail, CEO of the retail division of HBOS plc, chief operating officer of HBOS plc and then chief executive of HBOS plc from 2006 to the end of 2008.
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Debbie Hewitt, chairman, said: "I am delighted to welcome Andy to the company. He brings very relevant consumer, people and brand-led CEO credentials, with experience leading a multi-site retail business which is undergoing digital transformation. Andy's extensive retail background, proven hands-on operational expertise, and experience of integrating businesses position him well to provide the leadership required to deliver the next phase of our strategy."
Hornby said: “I am delighted to be joining The Restaurant Group as CEO at such an exciting time. This is a great business, with strong brands, committed colleagues and tremendous potential to grow. I recognise that this sector of the market faces considerable challenges, but The Restaurant Group has a set of casual dining and pub brands that offer significant potential. I'm excited to have the opportunity to lead the team and look forward to getting out and meeting colleagues when I join.”
