Dame Karen Jones to step down as executive chair of Prezzo: Prezzo, the Cain International-backed Italian dining group, has announced that Dame Karen Jones will step down as its executive chair. Jones, who is also chair of Hawksmoor and Mowgli, and sits on the board of Deliveroo, will continue to work with the 148-strong brand as a special advisor. Jonathan Goldstein, chief executive of Cain International, will become Prezzo’s new non-executive chairman. Jones, who co-founded Café Rouge, joined Prezzo as executive chair in the spring of 2018. Prezzo said the chair transition follows the construction of a new management team over the past year, with the appointments of Dean Challenger as chief executive, Matt Prior as chief financial officer, Gwion Iwan as operations director, Olly Smith as chief culinary officer and Mary Waldron as people director. Jones said: “It has been an extraordinary journey over the past four years. With the active support of our new ownership, we have curated an outstanding leadership team that is well-equipped to navigate the current challenges of the economic environment. Armed with a sharp vision for growth and profitability and a strengthened brand, it is time to give that team room to make their mark and lead Prezzo to ever more success through its continued focus on people, customers, and quality. I would like to thank all our Prezzo people for their commitment and care as we have worked together to strengthen the business. Prezzo is now ready to take advantage of new market opportunities and I look forward to continuing to watch the business flourish in my role as special advisor.” Goldstein added: “It has been a privilege to work alongside Karen for the last two years as we have taken the business forward and continued the development of an exceptional senior leadership team. Our shared belief in great hospitality, underpinned by the tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit of the entire team at Prezzo, presents a unique opportunity for success in today’s evolving market. I look forward to progressing our work with the team as the business continues its journey as the UK’s favourite Italian.”