Nick Collins becomes Loungers MD
The appointment of Collins, which is a key part of the group’s succession plan, will see current managing director and co-founder Alex Reilley become the company’s executive vice chairman.
It also coincides with Justin Carter joining the Piper Private Equity-backed group from Fuller’s as its new chief operating officer. Co-founder Jake Bishop continues as operations director, whilst the group is chaired by Crispin Tweddell.
Collins joined Loungers in January 2012 as finance director before stepping up to become the groups’ first chief operating officer in January 2014. Previous to joining Loungers, Collins had been the finance director at Capital Pub Company, up to the point it was sold to Greene King in 2011, and prior to that he had been co-founder and managing director of gourmet sandwich chain Fuzzy’s Grub.
20 targeted openings
Collins said: “I am delighted to be taking over from Alex and very much look forward to leading Loungers, and our two great brands, as the business continues to grow. It is an exciting time for the Loungers with this year’s 20 targeted openings largely secured, the pipeline beyond 2015 looking very encouraging, and with the overall potential for in excess of 350 Lounges and 70 Cosy Clubs in the UK.
“Working with Justin, alongside Alex and Jake, I look forward to continuing to drive the underlying Loungers principles of great hospitality, value for money, fantastic interiors and the strong Loungers people culture that has served the business so well to date.”
Reilley said: “I’m really thrilled for Nick and firmly believe he will make an excellent managing director. His appointment has been part of a succession plan we’ve been working on for over a year now and with Nick’s ascension, coupled with Justin joining the business, we believe we now have a seriously strong management team that is capable of running a very large business indeed. The future, and the potential of what we can achieve, is very exciting.”
The 56-strong group is set to open 20 sites in 2015 starting with the opening of Quinto Lounge in Sutton Coldfield on the 14 January.
It is understood that the planned 2015 openings will see Loungers consolidate its position in the South West as well as continuing to add to its presence in a number of cities where the business already operates.
The Sutton Coldfield opening will be Loungers’ fifth site in Birmingham with a Cosy Club opening also planned for the city in 2015.
It is also understood that the group plans to add a third site in Southampton, a fifth site in Bournemouth, and a further three sites in Manchester.
