D&D London hires Martin Williams as new CEO: Martin Williams, who stepped down as chief executive of Rare Restaurants, the owner of Gaucho, last year, is to become the new chief executive of D&D London. Williams will take up his new role at what is set to become The Evolv Collection, at the end of next month. Williams stepped down as chief executive of Rare Restaurants, the vehicle he helped to found that operates the Gaucho and M Restaurants brands, last October. 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 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. Simon Wilkinson, board director, said: “We are pleased to announce Martin Williams has been appointed as our new chief executive. We have closely monitored his career over an extended period and are confident that he will be an asset to our organisation. He joins us at a very exciting time for the business. After a focussed period of stabilisation and transformation we are very much looking forward to Martin leading us through the next stage of both organic and acquisitive growth. On the back of a record festive trading period, a strong January and the company's first major refurbishment for many years, we are well positioned for Martin to evolve & grow the business further.” One his new role, Williams said: “I am delighted to be joining such an amazing group of restaurants, many of which have a phenomenal legacy, which played no small part in my falling in love with the hospitality sector. I now look forward to taking stewardship of the company as it enters a new chapter of growth under the new Evolv Collection branding as each brand individually and collectively evolves. The recent performance results and awards show the excellent talent and potential of the team who I am excited to join and lead.” Earlier this week, D&D London, the Breal Capital and Calveton-backed operator, announced it is to change its name to “The Evolv Collection” in April, alongside a new company logo, and that it will also bring its Bluebird brand to the City.

Propel’s International Brands report showcasing the 100 top global hospitality operators in the UK available to pre-order now: Propel’s highly anticipated International Brands report, featuring the 100 leading international brands in UK hospitality, launches this March and is available to pre-order now. This comprehensive 30,000-word report covers company histories, leadership structures, site numbers and turnover figures – an essential resource for industry professionals. The top 100 features fast-growing brands from major international markets, including the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. The guide will be delivered in two formats: an introductory PDF featuring expert analysis on international brands and a fully searchable Excel sheet for quick access to key data. This data will be categorised into the key sectors of pubs and bars, hotels, quick-service restaurants (QSR), casual dining, cafés and bakeries, experiential leisure, and fine dining. Industry experts sharing their insights in the report include Keith Bird, former chief executive of Marugame Udon, on the challenges of introducing an international brand into the UK; Simon Chaplin, senior director of pubs, restaurants and franchise at Christie & Co, on why London remains a prime entry point for international brands; Matteo Frigeri, founder of Seeds Consulting, on the challenges of recruiting the right UK franchisee; Michael Ingemann, director of Think Hospitality, on why European brands choose the UK for expansion; and Meaningful Vision founder Maria Vanifatova on the UK market for QSR operators. The International Brands report will be available from 9am on Friday, 28 March, priced at £595 plus VAT. Existing Premium Club subscribers can purchase at a discounted rate of £395 plus VAT. Premium Club subscribers will also receive the report free of charge on Friday, 9 May at 9am. Secure your copy now – pre-order today by emailing kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.