Andrew Guy returns to the helm as Ivan Schofield steps down as CEO of Ed's Easy Diner

Ivan Schofield has stepped down from Ed's Easy Diner as chief executive, less than six months after being appointed to the role.

He has been replaced, with immediate effect, by his predecessor Andrew Guy (pictured) who has been working in an advisory capacity for the chain of 1950's American diners following his retirement at the end of last year. Schofield, who will work alongside Guy to hand over the running of the group over the next few weeks, has decided to pursue career opportunities elsewhere.

The announcement of Schofield's departure follows the news that the 50-strong group has been taken off the market after reputedly failing to reach the asking price of £90m.

Schofield, who joined Ed's Easy Diner in September last year, had previously spent the last 15 years with Yum! Brands, most recently as managing director of KFC Western Europe, based in France, where he was responsible for 450 company and franchise outlets across 15 countries.

He said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Ed's and want to pay tribute to all the great people in the organisation who work so hard to make this brand so strong. I wish them all the very best in the future."

Stephen Greene, chairman of Ed's Easy Diner, added: "On behalf of the entire team at Ed's I would like to thank Ivan for his contribution during his time with the business. Ed's is a great brand and Ivan's extensive experience has been of undoubted benefit to the company at this stage of its development."

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