MOD Pizza has named former Nando’s executive John Nelson to the role of CEO of its operations in the U.K., the fast-casual chain’s first international market, the company said Monday.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming John to the MOD Pizza family. His track record of developing culture-lead companies will be of tremendous value to MOD Pizza as we build a strong infrastructure ahead of entering the U.K. market,” Scott Svenson, co-founder and CEO of the 88-unit MOD Pizza, based in Bellevue, Wash., said in a statement.
Earlier this year, MOD Pizza said it would move into the U.K. with a joint venture headed by Sir Charles Dunstone and business partner Roger Taylor, who are also franchisees of the Five Guys Burgers and Fries brand there. The joint venture plans to open four to six MOD Pizza units in the first year, accelerating growth after that.
Nelson, who is scheduled to join the U.K. joint venture as CEO on Jan. 5, worked previously for Nando’s U.K., where he was operations director, in charge of more than 350 restaurants. Before Nando’s, Nelson held several leadership positions with consumer electronics retailer Dixons Stores Group.
Nelson said in a statement that he sees tremendous runway for MOD Pizza in the U.K.
“I’m eager to open the doors of our first location next year to show U.K. pizza fans what the buzz surrounding this great brand is all about,” he said.
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