GVC’s Hornby to join The Restaurant Group

Andy Hornby is to step down from his role as co-chief operating officer of GVC Holdings to become chief executive of The Restaurant Group.

The group, which operates a network of restaurants and pubs, has not confirmed when Hornby will join, but has stated that he will have an annual base salary of £630,000 (€734,270/$823,290).

The Restaurant Group counts the likes of Wagamama, Frankie & Benny’s and Chiquito among its brands, with over 650 sites in the UK and over 50 in other territories including the US.

“I am delighted to be joining The Restaurant Group as CEO at such an exciting time,” Hornby said. “This is a great business, with strong brands, committed colleagues and tremendous potential to grow.”

Hornby has served in his current role since last year when GVC acquired the Ladbrokes Coral Group business. Prior to this, he was COO of Ladbrokes Coral.

He has been with the group since 2011 when he joined Gala Coral, holding a number of senior roles such as chief executive of Coral and chief operating officer of Gala Coral, before the bookmaker merged with Ladbrokes in 2016.

“Over the last eight years Andy has been instrumental in the turnaround and growth of the Ladbrokes Coral businesses,” GVC chief executive Kenny Alexander said of Hornby's tenure with the operator.

“The business has genuinely been transformed under Andy and I have really enjoyed working with him, and would like to thank him for his valuable contribution to the Group.”

Prior to his time at GVC, Hornby was group chief executive of banking group HBOS. However, he stepped down from the role in 2008 when it had to be rescued by Lloyds TSB Group. HBOS now operates as a subsidiary of Lloyds.

Hornby also spent time as chief executive of Alliance Boots, the pharmacy-led health and beauty group behind high street pharmacist Boots Group.

Image: GCG Communications