Member Article

Exec who masterminded Pret a Manger's international expansion takes top job at Leon

London-headquartered fast food brand Leon has appointed a former Pret a Manger executive to its senior team to help spearhead its growth abroad.

Nellie Nichols has been appointed as the firm’s new Director of Food, rejoining the posh fast food chain having previously worked on Leon’s menu in 2012.

Taking up her new position early next year, Nichols will be charged with developing the chain’s seasonal menus for its restaurants both at home and abroad, drawing on her two stints as Head of Food at Pret a Manger, where she helped with its launch in the 80s and expansion into New York, Hong Kong and Japan.

Leon Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer 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 added: “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.”

The move comes at a time of significant growth for Leon after the brand secured a £19m funding deal with OakNorth Bank in the summer.

It has plans to open 50 more restaurants over the next four years, creating 1,000 new jobs.