GDK appoints chair to drive global growth

Glasgow-headquartered German Doner Kebab (GDK) has appointed Jim Slater as chair and non-executive director as it accelerates its international expansion.

Jim brings senior leadership experience from roles at Chipotle and Costa Coffee, where he supported significant global growth.

He will support the brand’s strategy as it continues to scale across the UK and global markets, with more than 180 sites worldwide and further openings planned in 2026.

Jim said: “I am delighted to be joining Simon and the team at GDK and to be partnering with True. and Hero Brands. 

“GDK has been a stand-out success story in UK hospitality and I look forward to helping the team drive further sustainable growth both in the UK and internationally in collaboration with our franchisees.”

Jim’s appointment follows investment from True., which backed the business in 2025 alongside Hero Brands to support its continued rollout and international growth.

Simon Wallis, chief executive of GDK, added: “I am thrilled that Jim is joining GDK and look forward to drawing upon his considerable experience. 

“It has been clear from day one that Jim shares our values and our vision for the business and I am looking forward to working alongside him in the coming years.”

Richard Sharpe, managing director at True, added: “Welcoming Jim as chair of GDK is an exciting moment for the brand as we continue to invest behind global growth. 

“With his extensive UK and international experience in building brands and partnerships, he will make an immediate impact to GDK, and also bring value to True’s growing consumer, retail and technology ecosystem.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.