Tue 9th Jan 2018 - Mark Jones to become new Carluccio’s chief executive Mark Jones to become new Carluccio’s chief executive: After nearly three years, Neil Wickers has stepped down as chief executive to pursue other opportunities. The company stated: “Neil has led the company through a very challenging period for the restaurant industry, during which he has improved operational efficiency and begun to refresh the brand through the roll-out of the successful ‘Carluccio’s of the Future’ concept. The board would like to thank Neil for his contribution. Mark Jones, currently chief executive of Goals Soccer Centres, will be joining Carluccio’s in due course as its new chief executive. Mark has a wealth of hospitality experience. His early career was spent with Allied Domecq and then Whitbread, where he rose to become chief executive of Pizza Hut UK, delivering record sales and profit growth. Following Whitbread, Mark became chief executive of Yates Group leading a successful management buy-out and its subsequent sale, before joining Premium Bars and Restaurants as chairman and chief executive. From there, Mark joined Rank to run Mecca and then Grosvenor Casinos, before leaving to lead the turnaround of Goals Soccer Centres.” Carluccio’s also announced the arrival of Andrew Campbell as its new chief financial officer from Monday (15 January), replacing interim chief financial officer Stephen Critoph. Campbell is a qualified chartered accountant and was, until very recently, finance director of YO! Sushi. Prior to this, he was finance director of Novus. Carl Leaver, chairman of Carluccio’s, said: “I am delighted that Mark and Andrew are joining Carluccio’s. They each bring valuable experience and a strong customer focus that will help to build upon Carluccio’s strong reputation for authentic Italian food. I would like to thank Neil for his contribution and wish him well in his future career.” Jones said: “I am excited to be joining Carluccio’s at this important time and look forward to working with the team to continue to develop the brand, ensuring a great experience for our customers.” Campbell added: “Carluccio’s is an iconic brand with a strong heritage. I am thrilled to be joining the team and look forward to helping to build the business.”