German Doner Kebab appoints new chief executive

Fast-growing restaurant brand German Doner Kebab (GDK) has appointed Wayne Shurvinton as chief executive, succeeding Simon Wallis from September.

Wayne brings extensive leadership experience across the restaurant, franchise and hospitality sectors, having held senior positions with Greene King, KFC and Pizza Hut.

His career includes serving as chief operating officer for KFC MENAPAK, with responsibility for around 800 restaurants across 11 countries, and chief customer officer for Pizza Hut UK and Europe, overseeing operations, digital, IT and customer experience across approximately 1500 restaurants in 27 countries.

Most recently, Wayne was managing director of partnerships and ventures at Greene King, where he had responsibility for a portfolio spanning franchise pubs, hotels and restaurant brands across around 1200 units.

Wayne said: “I am hugely excited to be joining GDK. 

“It is a distinctive brand with a compelling product, a strong network of franchise partners and considerable potential for further growth in the UK and internationally.

“I have spent a significant part of my career working with franchise businesses and have seen first-hand what can be achieved when a great brand, talented people and ambitious franchise partners are aligned behind a clear strategy.

“My immediate priority will be to spend time with our franchise partners, restaurant teams and colleagues across the business, listening and learning, while ensuring we continue to deliver an outstanding experience for our customers. 

“I look forward to working with the board, the leadership team and the entire GDK network to realise the considerable opportunity ahead.”

Wayne will work with outgoing chief executive Simon Wallis and the board during the leadership transition, before taking responsibility for GDK’s continued growth, franchisee performance and customer experience.

Jim Slater, chair of GDK, added: “We are delighted to welcome Wayne to GDK as our new chief executive.

“Wayne brings an exceptional breadth of experience across delivering craveable food, partnerships and franchising, operations, estate development, digital and customer hospitality. 

“He has a strong track record of leading complex, multi-site businesses in both the UK and international markets.

“His deep understanding of franchise partnerships is particularly important to GDK. He understands that the most successful franchise businesses are built on strong relationships, shared economics, operational excellence and a relentless focus on the customer.

“GDK has established itself as the UK’s leading premium kebab brand and there is a significant opportunity to build on that position. 

“Wayne’s experience in developing and scaling franchise businesses, combined with his commercial and operational leadership, makes him ideally suited to lead GDK through its next phase of growth.”

Jim added: “On behalf of the board, I would also like to thank Simon for his significant contribution to GDK.

“During his tenure, the business has strengthened its position as the UK’s leading premium kebab brand, expanded its restaurant estate in the UK and international, enhanced its operational capabilities, overseen the sale of a majority stake in the business to True and laid the foundations for future growth. 

“We are grateful for his leadership, commitment and contribution to the business, and we wish him every success for the future.”

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