As a sign of its commitment to innovate in naturally fast food and open in new international markets, LEON has appointed a new Director of Food to its senior team. Nellie Nichols, who first worked for the chain in 2012, will rejoin in early 2017 and manage the food team as they develop LEON’s new seasonal menus for restaurants at home and abroad.
LEON co-founder and CEO John Vincent said: “If you know Nellie you’ll understand why I’m so happy. Nellie and I worked on a significant development of the menu for two years from 2012 and it was a privilege. And always a lot of fun. She’s back and I’m strapping myself in.”
Nellie Nichols said, “I am very in love with Leon and always have been so I’m delighted to be going back to be part of its dynamic growth in 2017 and beyond.”
Nellie has a long career and proven track record in the food industry. She was formerly the Head of Food (twice) at Pret, helping launch the brand in the 80s and then going to back to help with its international expansion into New York, Hong Kong and Japan. Prior to that she worked in food manufacturing for Hazlewood Foods and produced TV food commercials for Birds Eye Walls. Lately she has been running her own food development agency, working with clients such as Marks and Spencer.
She is a member of the Guild of Food Writers and won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Sandwich Industry in 2009.