Baton Berisha has been appointed new CEO of the parent company of rare restaurants, Gaucho and M restaurants.
Berisha, who takes her role immediately, spent seven years in the Ivy collection and had a short term as CEO of D&D London.
He was recruited by the Wolseley Hospitality Group in 2022, shortly after its owners, Minor International, took control from Jeremy King. However, he resigned last summer to explore new opportunities.
Berisha will move from former rare restaurants from Martin Williams, CEO, who left with the company in October after seven years. Williams takes his new role as CEO of the Evolv collection, US D&D London, at the end of March.
David Campbell, chairman of the rare restaurants, said: “Shareholders and I are delighted to welcome Baton to the role of CEO in this key in the development of the company. His extensive experience as CEO of several Premium brands made him a distinct candidate. I have had the pleasure of working with Baton in the Ivy collection and seen his skill in the first hand, and we expect him to join a rare team. “
Rare restaurants have 20 Gaucho steak houses around the UK together with the London City M restaurant.
Berisha added: “I have an incredible honor to join rare restaurants at such a central moment for the company. The company has historically kept a strong reputation for excellence and creativity, and I am excited about the future opportunities to build these solid foundations. I look forward to working with a talented team to increase the next growth and innovation phase while providing an exceptional experience for our guests. “
At the same time, his appointment will hit the presentation of Gaucho’s plans for a new concept, Gaucho GO, to the soon-to-be-open Boxhall Food Hall in the city of London, which has a brand signed steak and chips, hamburgers and a fresh match for a classic hot dog.