Gavin Smith promoted to managing director at Pizza Pilgrims

Gavin Smith has been promoted from operations director to the newly created position of managing director at Pizza Pilgrims.

Smith joined the brand in 2018 having previously worked in operations at Wahaca and Browns restaurants. Pizza Pilgrims, founded by brothers Thom and James Elliot, started as a street food van and opened its first permanent site in Soho's Dean Street in 2013. It has since grown to 13 sites across London and Oxford.

Thom said: "We are delighted to be promoting Gavin to managing director of Pizza Pilgrims. He has been a tremendous force for good during his two years as operations director – driving the business forward in all areas, developing and nurturing our teams (and us!) while also doubling company EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation] and increasing sales and profitability in every single pizzeria.

"He keeps us all on our toes to how we can be better as a company – and, most importantly, he is always hugely respectful of the core values of the brand. He is an inspiration to all around him and we are looking forward to him leading the charge back towards the ‘old normal' over the coming months."

Smith added: "I believe Pizza Pilgrims not only has the most exceptional pizza but fundamentally the happiest, most energised and dynamic team in hospitality. My purpose moving forward is to protect and enhance both. I am confident our team and business will continue to innovate and excite both our customers and team as we grow with soul and passion to share our pizza with yet more people.

"We are, as always, focused on developing a brand that is not only fun, but one which our team love as much as our customers. Ultimately, I am driven to ensure we continue to make hospitality an even more attractive industry to work in for all people from all walks of life."