Mon 14th Dec 2020 - Ex-Cote boss Alex Scrimgeour named new Everyman CEO Ex-Cote boss Alex Scrimgeour named new Everyman CEO: Cinema operator Everyman has appointed Alex Scrimgeour, formerly chief executive of Cote, as its new chief executive. Scrimgeour, who left Cote in October after 12 years of leading the circa 95-strong French brasserie chain, will take up his new role from 18 January 2021. He succeeds Crispin Lilly who in September tendered his resignation after almost six years as chief executive, in order to pursue personal interests. Everyman said that Scrimgeour has “a detailed understanding of the importance of innovation and demonstrable ability in addressing customer needs in a modern and ever-evolving leisure market”. It said: “Illustrating this, Alex founded and launched Cote Restaurant’s e-commerce brand ‘Côte at Home’, a business providing customers with a dining experience they can enjoy in the comfort of their home.” Last month, Everyman appointed financial advisers as it assesses the impact of the coronavirus shutdown on its finances. The company, which has 35 sites, appointed FTI Consulting to assist it in talks with landlords during the coming months. Paul Wise, executive chairman of Everyman, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alex as the company’s new chief executive. As always, we are committed to providing a contemporary, exceptional experience for our customers. With Alex’s knowledge and expertise, we look forward to reinforcing and expanding the Everyman brand and experience. The appointment reinforces our optimism in life beyond covid.” Scrimgeour, incoming chief executive, said: “Everyman is a truly differentiated proposition with a well-established culture of excellence. I am delighted to be joining Paul and the team who have already shown me such a warm welcome. It is hugely exciting to take the business forward and build on such solid foundations as we look to expand in the years ahead.” Scrimgeour’s departure from Cote came a week after it was acquired by global private markets investment manager Partners Group in a pre-pack administration. As part of the deal, former Wagamama chief executive Holbrook took over as Cote’s chairman, replacing ex-The Restaurant Group chief executive Andrew Page in the role. Scrimgeour joined the then Richard Caring-led backed, three-strong Cote in 2008. As joint managing director with Harald Samuelsson, Scrimgeour grew the business into one of the standout-growth brands in the UK’s casual dining sector. Samuelsson and Scrimgeour oversaw two management buyouts, with the company being acquired by CBPE for circa £100m in 2013 and then by BC Partners two years later in a c£250m deal. In November 2015, Samuelsson stepped down from the business, with Scrimgeour becoming chief executive and continuing to grow the brand into a national presence and a £156m-turnover business.