Tue 16th May 2017 - Byron appoints Simon Cope as new managing director Byron appoints Simon Cope as new managing director: Better burger brand Byron, backed by Hutton Collins Partners, has appointed Simon Cope as managing director. Cope joins from Wagamama, another Hutton Collins Partners company, where, over the past four years, he played a significant role in the turnaround that has seen double-digit like-for-like growth for the past three years. Joining Byron in July, Cope will sit on the executive board and lead the next stage of the brand’s evolution, focusing on marketing, food development and property. He will report to acting executive chairman Dalton Philips until the search for a new chief executive is complete. Cope said: “As the pioneers of proper hamburgers in the UK, Byron is uniquely well placed to take advantage of the significant growth opportunity that exists for premium brands in the UK’s casual dining market. I’m delighted to be joining such an inspirational team, helping to build Byron’s future at this exciting time.” Philips added: “I’m thrilled that Simon is joining the team. Coming from within the Hutton Collins family, he brings with him a wealth of experience and great ideas, with a first-class track record of delivery. He knows this sector inside out, and we’re delighted he’s joining the team. I’m really looking forward to working with him as we continue to grow the business.” Hutton Collins invested in Byron in 2013 in a transaction worth £100m.