Tue 17th Jul 2018 - Ivy Collection appoints former Wagamama boss David Campbell as its first chief executive Ivy Collection appoints former Wagamama boss David Campbell as its first chief executive: The Ivy Collection has appointed former Wagamama boss David Campbell as its first chief executive, Sky News reports. Campbell, who left Wagamama last year, has been installed in the role by The Ivy’s‎ billionaire owner Richard Caring. Campbell has also been appointed executive chairman of Bill’s Restaurants, which is also owned by Caring. The appointment comes as The Ivy continues its rapid expansion across the UK. Almost 30 venues have opened bearing the famous name, with further openings planned in Dublin, Leeds, Manchester, Norwich and Canary Wharf. Campbell’s arrival underlines his credentials as one of the British leisure industry’s leading executives. He ran Wagamama for more than four years, during which time the company’s value more than doubled. The chain, which has expanded into the US, is now courting offers from prospective buyers. Campbell’s task as executive chairman of Bill’s may prove more challenging. Although Bill’s, which trades from 82 restaurants across the UK, has withstood many of the pressures hurting rivals, higher costs have hurt its profitability. One source said Campbell had also been consulting for Soho House, the international network of private members’ clubs, since the start of the year. Soho House is part-owned by Caring and has been reported to be examining a flotation in New York. Campbell, who could not be reached for comment, is understood to be planning to remain on the board of Grupo Pacha, the Spanish hospitality and entertainment group.