Ivy Collection managing director Baton Berisha takes on Bill's Restaurants

Baton Berisha, managing director of the Ivy Collection has added oversight of casual dining chain Bill's Restaurants to his portfolio.

Meanwhile, Bill's' executive chairman David Campbell and managing director Sarah Hills have stepped down from their roles with immediate effect.

Berisha joined the Ivy Collection in 2014. He previously served as a senior manager at the Fat Duck in Bray, Berkshire, and director of F&B at Morgans hotel group. He has overseen the successful expansion of the Ivy Collection into a restaurant chain.

Richard Caring chairman of parent group Caprice Holdings, owner of both the Ivy Collection and Bill's Restaurants, said: "Baton has played an integral role in the growth of the Ivy Collection, whilst he remains as its managing director he will now also be working closely with myself ensuring we continue to evolve the Bill's Restaurant portfolio".

Caring bought a controlling stake in Bill's in 2008.

Bill's Restaurants reported "disappointing" earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of £9.9m during the 74 weeks to 30 December 2018 against £13.6m in the 52 weeks to 30 July 2017, with documents filed at Companies House

Since 2018 the brand has run an ambitious refurbishment programme which has seen 27 Bill's restaurants receive a new look.