Livebookings, the market leader in real-time reservations and online marketing services for more than 9000 restaurants worldwide, has announced the promotions of Joe Steele to Chief Executive Officer and Guy Halfhead to Chief Operating Officer as part of the company’s leadership transformation and evolution of the online reservations marketplace.
With a proven track record in strategy and operations at online growth businesses, Joe Steele joined Livebookings from the Thomas Cook Group in June 2013. Since his appointment, Joe has been responsible for transforming the functionality and distribution of Livebookings’ market leading technology to deliver maximum profits for restaurants and a next generation consumer proposition.
He takes up the role of CEO to oversee the next stage of development for Livebookings as its merchant arm and consumer arm, Bookatable, grow and expand into a compelling marketplace offering. This includes catering to rising demand from smartphone and tablet users and pushing strategic international partnerships.
Joe Steele comments: “It’s an exciting time for the company, witnessing the pace at which our marketplace technology has evolved to meet growing customer demand for new functionality. We’ve brought on board new skills and expertise to fuel growth in new markets, expand our network of partners and drive innovation within the business and wider online reservations market.”
As part of a strategic leadership change, Livebookings also announces the promotion of Guy Halfhead, previously Managing Director of Merchant Services, to Chief Operating Officer.
Since joining Livebookings in 2011, Guy has been instrumental in contributing towards high double digit merchant revenue growth and consolidating the company’s sales and service proposition.
Guy successfully negotiated strategic, multi-territory partnerships for Livebookings with some of the hospitality industry’s biggest names including Michelin and Relais & Châteaux. In his new role, Guy will build on these partnerships to increase the adoption of Livebookings technology in new markets.
Colin Tenwick, former CEO, will be moving into a non-executive role as Chairman of the Board. Commenting on the personnel changes, Tenwick says: “The company now enters a new period where the promise of being a leader in a true marketplace beckons, where decisions on product, data and the development of our consumer offer will prove crucial in shaping our future success. Now is exactly the right time for this team under Joe’s leadership to take the company to the next stage of its growth.”