Exclusive – Martin Williams steps down as CEO of Gaucho operator Rare Restaurants: Martin Williams has stepped down as chief executive of Rare Restaurants, the vehicle he helped to found that operates the Gaucho and M Restaurants brands, Propel has learned. Rare Restaurants told Propel that Williams has decided to embark on his “next personal chapter”, and a new chief executive for the 22-strong business will be appointed in early 2025. Williams, who was previously managing director of Gaucho, returned to the business at the end of 2018, when he advised Investec and SC Lowy on their acquisition of the brand out of administration. In April 2019, the new vehicle Lomo Bidco, which is owned by Investec Bank and SC Lowy, acquired the Williams-founded M Restaurants, for an undisclosed sum. The deal brought together M Restaurants’ then three sites and Gaucho’s then 16 venues. At the same time, Rare Restaurants was formed and Williams assumed the role of chief executive. Since then, Williams has stabilised the business, returned it to growth and reignited Gaucho’s expansion. Propel revealed at the end of 2022 that Rare Restaurants had appointed Clearwater International to help assess its options. It is thought that the business received a number of approaches but it did not receive an offer matching the owner’s valuation. In May, Rare Restaurants appointed David Campbell, the former chief executive of PizzaExpress and Wagamama, as its new chair.. In February, Rare Restaurants hailed 2023 as an “outstanding year” for the business with revenue reaching £75.3m. A Rare Restaurants spokesperson told Propel: “The board thanks Martin for his six years leading the group, and wishes him every success in the future. Martin would also like to thank the shareholders, guests and the Gaucho and M teams nationwide for their amazing support in his 19-year journey with the company. As previously reported, during Martin's tenure as chief executive, the group opened five new Gaucho venues and has enjoyed strong sales growth. Today, Gaucho Restaurants and its sister restaurant, M, are among the 'Top 100 Places to Work' in the UK. They won 'Business of the Year' in the City AM awards in 2023 and were recently recognised as leaders by The Sustainable Restaurant Association. We are all excited about a busy two months ahead, with very strong international rugby and Christmas bookings across the group, both of which are well up on last year. By popular demand, we are also bringing back our now legendary £30 Legacy menu for one month only in November, continuing the celebration of Gaucho’s 30th anniversary. The executive management team and the shareholders are looking forward to a strong finish to 2024.” Gaucho (Rare Restaurants) features in the Premium Club Turnover & Profits Blue Book, which is available exclusively to Premium Club members and features 994 companies. Rare Restaurants’ turnover of £75.3m is the 136th highest in the database. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.

Exclusive – Stonegate hires Kay Bartlett as new chief marketing officer: Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, has continued the evolution of its management team after hiring Kay Bartlett, currently at Wagamama, as its new chief marketing officer, Propel has learned. Bartlett, who will officially join Stonegate in February, has been with The Restaurant Group-owned Wagamama for almost five years, including three and a half years as its chief marketing officer. At Wagamama, Bartlett has overseen the launch of the brand’s first loyalty programme and its first brunch menu. She has also had stints at Lucozade Ribena Suntory and AkzoNobel. Stonegate said she brings with her a wealth of experience in marketing, brand, digital and loyalty. Propel understands that Wagamama has begun the search for Bartlett’s replacement. Stonegate has also announced a second appointment to its operating board. Nick Marks, formerly director of commercial for the business, has been promoted to group commercial director, overseeing all procurement activities and leading the group’s supply chain operation. Both Bartlett and Marks will report directly to David McDowall, chief executive at Stonegate. McDowall said: “These additions to our operating board highlight the critical role both our marketing and commercial teams will play in driving our strategy forward in the coming years. I’m incredibly excited to welcome someone of Kay’s calibre to the team. She will bring valuable expertise and ensure we continue to put the needs of our guests at the heart of our business. I’m also delighted with Nick’s incredibly well-deserved promotion, which is a reflection of the outstanding contributions made by him and his team in working with our suppliers over the past 18 months. I am excited to see the impact both Kay and Nick will make on our business.”