Various Eateries PLC on Thursday said it has appointed Sharon Badelek to the board as chief financial officer, effective April 1, replacing interim CFO James Darwent.
The UK-focused all day club, restaurant and hotel sites developer and operator said Darwent will step down from the role and as a board director on the same date, having served as interim CFO since November.
It said Badelek has held financial leadership positions at several high-profile leisure and hospitality businesses in a career spanning more than 30 years.
This includes, most recently, being CFO at freehold pub acquisition vehicle RedCat Pub Co, which was founded in January 2021. Badelek was ‘instrumental’ in purchasing 110 pubs over a 12-month period, Various Eateries said.
Earlier in her career, Badelek was UK finance director and later group finance director at cinema chain Vue Entertainment.
‘As part of the original executive team, Sharon played a leading role in several major acquisitions, with the rollout leading to an increase in [earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation] from £31 million to £110 million. After nine years at the business, Sharon was influential in selling the business for £950 million,’ Various Eateries said in a statement.
Upon accepting the role, incoming CFO Badelek said: ‘With strong brands that resonate with the modern consumer, a highly experienced senior team and a clear strategy for expansion, Various Eateries has an exciting opportunity to grow into a leading name in UK hospitality. ’
Executive Chair Andy Bassadone added: ‘Sharon has an impressive track record in scaling customer-centric businesses in our industry and I have no doubt the knowledge and experience she has built over several decades of good and bad markets will be of great benefit to Various Eateries as we pursue our growth ambitions. Sharon was the outstanding candidate for the role, and I am delighted to welcome her to the team.’
Shares in Various Eateries were flat at 32.00 pence each in London on Thursday morning.
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