German Doner Kebab (“GDK”), the fast-growing premium kebab brand, today announces the appointment of Wayne Shurvinton as chief executive officer, succeeding Simon Wallis, who is stepping down from the role. Wayne will start on 1st September.
Wayne brings extensive senior leadership experience across the restaurant, franchise and wider hospitality sectors, with a career spanning Greene King, KFC and Pizza Hut within Yum! Brands.
During his career with Yum! Brands, Wayne held a number of senior operational, franchise, development and international leadership positions. At KFC UK & Ireland, he worked extensively with the brand’s franchise network before becoming Acquisitions Director, responsible for development strategy, capital deployment, acquisitions and estate growth. He subsequently became Chief Operating Officer for KFC MENAPAK, with responsibility across 11 countries and approximately 800 restaurants.
He later served as Chief Customer Officer for Pizza Hut UK & Europe, with responsibility for operations, digital, IT, quality assurance and customer experience across approximately 1,500 restaurants in 27 countries.
Most recently, Wayne held senior leadership roles at Greene King, initially as Managing Director of Pub Partners and subsequently as Managing Director of Partnerships & Ventures. In the latter role, he had responsibility for a portfolio of business units encompassing franchise pubs, hotels and restaurant brands spanning approximately 1,200 units.
Jim Slater, Chair of GDK, said: “We are delighted to welcome Wayne to GDK as our new Chief Executive Officer.
“Wayne brings an exceptional breadth of experience across delivering craveable food, partnerships & franchising, operations, estate development, digital and customer hospitality. He has a strong track record of leading complex, multi-site businesses in both the UK and international markets.
“His deep understanding of franchise partnerships is particularly important to GDK. He understands that the most successful franchise businesses are built on strong relationships, shared economics, operational excellence and a relentless focus on the customer.
“GDK has established itself as the UK’s leading premium kebab brand and there is a significant opportunity to build on that position. Wayne’s experience in developing and scaling franchise businesses, combined with his commercial and operational leadership, makes him ideally suited to lead GDK through its next phase of growth.”
Wayne Shurvinton said: “I am hugely excited to be joining GDK. It is a distinctive brand with a compelling product, a strong network of franchise partners and considerable potential for further growth in the UK and internationally.
“I have spent a significant part of my career working with franchise businesses and have seen first-hand what can be achieved when a great brand, talented people and ambitious franchise partners are aligned behind a clear strategy.
“My immediate priority will be to spend time with our franchise partners, restaurant teams and colleagues across the business, listening and learning, while ensuring we continue to deliver an outstanding experience for our customers. I look forward to working with the Board, the leadership team and the entire GDK network to realise the considerable opportunity ahead.”
The Board also confirmed that having decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer, Simon Wallis will work with Wayne and the Board to support an orderly transition.
Jim Slater added: “On behalf of the Board, I would also like to thank Simon for his significant contribution to GDK.
“During his tenure, the business has strengthened its position as the UK’s leading premium kebab brand, expanded its restaurant estate in the UK and international, enhanced its operational capabilities, overseen the sale of a majority stake in the business to True and laid the foundations for future growth. We are grateful for his leadership, commitment and contribution to the business, and we wish him every success for the future.”
GDK said its strategic priorities remain focused on delivering sector leading culinary standards, supporting franchisee profitability, enhancing the customer experience and delivering sustainable longterm growth across the system.
