Fri 14th Oct 2022 - Comptoir Group appoints Nick Ayerst as CEO Comptoir Group appoints Nick Ayerst as CEO: Comptoir Group has announced the appointment of Nick Ayerst, formerly of The Restaurant Group (TRG) and Leon, as its new chief executive, effective from 17 October 2022. The 27-strong company said: “Ayerst brings more than 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry and was previously managing director of Leon, the UK’s leading healthy fast-food chain, where he was brought onboard in 2020 to re-structure Leon’s operational model, investing in technology and increasing efficiencies and to develop growth strategies including Leon’s Drive-Thru model and franchising partnerships.” Prior to his role at Leon, Ayerst spent 15 years in leadership roles at TRG, where he was a member of its executive team. Between 2013 and 2020, Ayerst was managing director of TRG Concessions, which operates restaurants, bars and QSR outlets in airports, stations, shopping centres and Hilton Hotels, where he “implemented short- and long-term growth opportunities, more than doubling revenue and profit, and oversaw the opening of 45 new sites”. Ayerst will take over from Jean-Michel Orieux, who has been interim chief executive since August 2022. Orieux will revert to his role as independent non-executive director. The company said: “The appointment of Mr Ayerst, along with the recent appointments of Beatrice Lafon and Jean-Michel Orieux as independent non-executive chair and independent non-executive director respectively, significantly strengthens the senior leadership team as the company seeks to accelerate its growth trajectory, investing in the brand and customer experience, accelerating the opening of new restaurants and exploiting opportunities in franchising and wholesale.” Ayerst said: “I am joining Comptoir Group at an exciting time for the company. The strength of the Comptoir brand, talented team and vision of the new board to grow the business and deliver a best in class offering for its guests make this a great opportunity. I see tremendous potential for the company to grow and capture market share and I look forward to building on Comptoir’s success.” Lafon said: “We are excited to welcome Nick to Comptoir Group as our new chief executive officer. Nick brings over 30 years’ relevant experience in the sector, with the combination of skills and energy to lead the business through Comptoir’s next strategic growth phase.”