Tue 13th Jan 2015 - Carluccio’s names new chief executive Carluccio’s names new chief executive: Carluccio’s, the 105-strong Italian all-day restaurant group owned by Dubai-based investment group Landmark, has appointed Neil Wickers as its new chief executive, starting 23 February 2015. Simon Kossoff moves to executive chairman having been chief executive since the group was established 15 years ago. He has built a management team that has grown the business to over 100 restaurants in the UK and overseas with the first US site opening in Washington, DC this year. Stephen Gee, who along with Antonio Carluccio and Simon, founded the business in 1999 steps down as the company’s non-executive chairman and will focus on his other roles within the sector. Wickers joins from the Gondola Group where he was international managing director for PizzaExpress, overseeing the brand’s overseas strategy and expansion. He was responsible for increasing the number of sites internationally from 36 to 75, achieving double-digit sales growth. Neil also has retail experience having re-launched the PizzaExpress grocery business, increasing distribution and doubling Ebitda. Kossoff said: “The appointment of a new CEO has been part of our growth plan for some time and strengthens the management team to allow it to significantly develop the business. Neil brings a wealth of international and brand development experience and as such is ideally placed to lead the team as the brand continues to expand internationally and in the UK.” Commenting on his appointment Neil Wickers said: “I am delighted to be joining the Carluccio’s team. It is a brand I have long admired and I very much look forward to taking the business forward with Simon and the team. It is an exciting time for the brand with the opening of its first site in the States and further UK openings.” Carluccio’s employs some 3000 staff and has 88 restaurants in the UK plus 17 overseas.