After news announced recently of Yo! Sushi’s acquisition of Bento Sushi, the restaurant chain has released news of the appointment of Richard Hodgson as the new Chief Executive Officer of the newly created Group. Starting in his new role in December, Richard has experience as the Chief Executive Officer of Pizza Express. In his previous role, he was a vital part of the drive for internationalisation of the business.
In November 2015, it was agreed with the Board when Mayfair Equity Partners invested in Yo! Robin Rowland, Richard’s predecessor will step down from his position as Chief Executive Officer. This move has been taken following the Mayfair investment and the strong business results and underlying like-for-like growth that has been seen by the restaurant chain. Robin Rowland will be remaining a part of the Board as a Non-Executive Director. The former Chief Executive, Robin has led the Yo! Brand for 18 years and has managed to develop and grow the chain from three London restaurants to 97 sites around the world through three private equity transactions. No doubt the new Chief Executive will be equally as successful in this role.
The CAD$100 million acquisition of Bento, the second largest sushi brand in operation in North America and the largest chain in Canada in order to create a global, multi-channel, multi brand Japanese food group. This Group is one of the largest sushi companies in operation outside of Japan with more than 100 restaurants around the world and 550 partnered kiosks across North America.
Richard will bring a wealth of experience to his new job role, with a great deal of international restaurant and retail experience which will then be able to benefit the newly diversified Group. Before working at Pizza Express, Richard was the Commercial Director of Morrisons and Waitrose. Richard has experience internationally expanding and developing a brand, and will no doubt be successful in his new role at Yo!
