Prezzo Holdings Limited (“Prezzo”), a leading Italian and Tex-Mex casual dining chain with operations across the UK and Ireland, today confirms that Jon Hendry-Pickup has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective end July 2016.
Jon brings twenty years of retail and consumer experience to Prezzo, having most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at Travelodge Hotels Limited and prior to that, as the Operations Director for Tesco PLC in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Leveraging his years of experience, Jon will play a significant role in leading and delivering on the Company’s strategy; further developing its customer-focused initiatives and driving the Company’s operational excellence, particularly in managing its growing portfolio of restaurants across the UK and Ireland.
Jon commented, “I am very pleased to be joining Prezzo at an exciting time in the Company’s evolution. I look forward to working with the Company’s talented management team as we continue to build distinctive brands and deliver the highest quality offer for our customers – all while ensuring that Prezzo remains a rewarding place to work.”
TPG Capital Partner Dirk Eller, the interim Chief Executive and current Chairman of Prezzo, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Jon to Prezzo and are excited to have such a highly qualified individual join at a time of significant business momentum. Jon’s experience will be invaluable as the Company continues to strengthen its focus on customer experience, grow its footprint, build its market share and further define itself as a leader in the UK and Ireland’s casual dining space.”
Abel Halpern, Partner at TPG Capital, said, “Dirk succeeded in leading Prezzo from the period following our original acquisition to this exciting next chapter. We will rely on his operational expertise and counsel in his role as our Chairman. Jon’s customer experience and multi-site operations’ expertise will provide huge benefit to Prezzo as the business enters another exciting chapter of growth. We are fortunate to have an executive of his caliber on our team.”
Established in 2000, Prezzo has grown from a single restaurant to a business now operating in every major city across the UK. Its portfolio of 284 sites includes 23 restaurants opened under both the Prezzo and Chimichanga brands in 2015. Having expanded into Ireland earlier this year, the Company has over 20 new openings planned throughout the UK and Ireland in 2016.
Prezzo’s success is reflective of the passion of its local operators and their commitment to developing strong and engaged leaders within and across its expansive portfolio. The Company’s strong knowledge and understanding of its customers, combined with its focus on menu innovation, will be essential in solidifying its position as one of the leading casual dining operators in the UK and Ireland.