Comptoir Group, which operates the Comptoir Libanais, Yalla-Yalla and Shawa brands, has appointed a new non-executive chairman following the sudden departure of Dr Beatrice Lafon.
Jean-Michel Orieux, who has been the non-executive director of the Lebanese, Middle Eastern and North African restaurant group since August 2022, will succeed Dr. Beatrice Lafon as chairman. Dr Lafon has left the Comptoir Group after less than two years “to pursue other business interests”.
Orieux previously served as Food and Beverage Director at the Liberty department store in Carnaby, London. He later served as CEO of Ping Pong and then as CEO of the French bakery chain Paul.
Meanwhile, Ali Aneizi, who was previously corporate finance partner and head of leisure and hospitality at RSM for 18 years before founding M&A and private equity advisory firm Tamweel Capital in 2013, has joined Comptoir as a non-executive director. manager.
Nick Ayerst, CEO of Comptoir Group and former CEO of Leon, said: “I would like to thank Beatrice for her significant contribution to Comptoir during an important period of development for the group and in particular for her role in rebuilding the key business foundations affected during Covid, the development of our current strategy and the recruitment of a new senior management team and familiarization On behalf of the Comptoir team, I would like to wish Beatrice success in her other projects.
He added: “I am delighted that Ali is joining the board. He brings with him extensive professional expertise and deep industry knowledge, having worked in the industry for many years, he will bring real value to the future direction of the company.”
Orieux said: “The Board and the Comptoir team sincerely thank Beatrice for her leadership, challenge and contribution as Chairman over the past two years. Her vision and dedication contributed to the transformation of our business and we have every confidence in her continued success.”
“I have worked closely with Beatrice over the last two years and I am confident that the business will transition smoothly with the change of chairman and the new board composition.”
In September last year, the group launched their first venue in four years in Ealing, London.
Comptoir Group owns and manages 29 Lebanese restaurants, six of which are franchised. Comptoir Libanais is its largest brand, with 20 locations in London, Manchester, Bath, Birmingham, Oxford and Exeter.
