Thu 3rd Dec 2015 - The Coaching Inn Group hires Jill Matthews as head of operations The Coaching Inn Group hires Jill Matthews as head of operations: The Coaching Inn Group has signalled its intention to ramp up its expansion plans with the appointment of leading sector specialist Jill Matthews as head of operations. Matthews, who brings 20 years’ food and beverage experience to the group, latterly as head of operations at regional brewer SA Brain & Co, will support the company’s expansion programme, which is now targeting six further acquisitions next year. “We have exceeded our growth targets this year, with profits doubling, turnover increasing to over £12m and three more high quality coaching inns joining us,” said The Coaching Inn Group finance director, Edward Walsh. “We are targeting six more acquisitions next year, together with further investment across our existing estate. Jill’s appointment is vital to ensuring our teams continue to deliver a consistently high quality customer experience as we grow.” As head of operations, Matthews headed up managed, leased and destination food business for SA Brain, responsible for brand development, sales, customer service and staff training initiatives. She began her career with Scottish & Newcastle Retail, before joining SA Brain where she has also led the company’s retail marketing and catering divisions. She said: “My mantra throughout my career has been ‘guest obsession’ and I’ve found a perfect partner for that with the Coaching Inn Group. The team here has earned a well deserved reputation for high quality customer service and innovative leadership in the coaching inn sector. I’m looking forward to working with Kevin Charity and the whole team to deliver on their ambitious growth plans across food and beverage and rooms. They are taking the casual dining, coffee house and eatery market by storm and this is an area in which I have extensive experience and look forward to developing even further across their estate.”