Robert Cook resigns as Hostmore CEO

Robert Cook has resigned from his position as chief executive of Hostmore, which operates the Fridays and 63rd+1st restaurant brands.

The business said Cook had decided to step down as chief executive and a director of the company with immediate effect, with Julie McEwan, currently chief operating officer of Fridays, appointed interim chief executive.

Hostmore said the recruitment process had begun and would consider both internal and external candidates.

Gavin Manson, chairman of Hostmore, said: "On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Robert for his efforts as CEO over the past three years, particularly in steering the business through the Covid pandemic and in rebuilding the Executive Team, and we wish him well for the future.

"We are pleased that Julie has accepted the role of interim CEO, given her strong sector experience and operational strengths. Together, we look forward to focusing on the group's priorities and building on its strengths in the weeks and months ahead."

Cook added: "I wish to extend my sincere gratitude and thanks to the board and the executive team for their support in my three years at the helm, and, most importantly, to thank all the team in the restaurants who pull on the red and white stripes every day and do such a sterling job for the brand."

The company also issued an update on trading, with revenue for the 26 weeks to 1 January 2023 remaining 14% below the comparative 2019 period, which the business said was achieved despite rail strikes, the World Cup, and unusually cold weather, as well as the passing of Queen Elizabeth.

Hostmore generated revenue in December 2022 of £21.3m, slightly more than December 2021's £21.2m.