Boxpark, which runs five sites across England in London and Liverpool, said the “industry leader and innovator” joins to “direct, challenge and grow the business during an incredible growth period”.
With more than 25 years in hospitality, Snell has held senior roles at Fuller’s, Red’s True Barbecue and mostly recently at Gusto Italian, where he was CEO for more than seven years.
Boxpark added said he has driven growth and innovation at director level, overseeing 100 premium pubs at Fuller’s, as well as leading the expansion of Red’s True Barbecue.
As CEO of Gusto Italian, Snell “navigated industry challenges while delivering sustained growth”.
Perfect alignment
Boxpark, which extended the lease on its Shoreditch venue recently, said Snell’s “expertise in operations, brand development and customer engagement aligns perfectly with Boxpark’s mission to create trusted and vibrant community spaces that bring people together through food, culture, and entertainment”.
It is hoped he will explore new collaborations and partnerships and noted his previous work has been recognised for “introducing new concepts that blend social spaces with immersive dining and entertainment”.
Snell said: “I am hugely excited to join Boxpark at such a pivotal moment in its journey.
“The brand has already redefined the leisure experience and I look forward to working with the team to continue pushing boundaries and delivering even more innovative and exciting offerings.
“With the newest opening of our competitive socialising concept in Croydon – Playbox – and the upcoming launch of premium food hall concept Boxhall, it’s going to be an incredibly busy and monumental year for the brand, which we’re all extremely pumped for.”
World-class leaders
Boxpark chair Paul Thandi added: “We’ve had a great year opening new sites, developing new concepts, building incredible guest experiences and doing what we do best.
“As we continue to grow, we need world-class leaders with the skills to help achieve our business goals. I am delighted to welcome Matt to the team who brings a wealth of experience and will mark an exciting new chapter to the Boxpark journey.“
Boxpark recently appointed Chris Burford as CFO, who will be supporting and strengthening the operations and growth strategy of the business.
Last year, the business launched two Boxpark venues, in Liverpool and Camden, to join its others located in Shoreditch, Croydon and Wembley.
Next month (April 2025), 17,000sq ft Boxhall City is set to open in Liverpool Street in the City of London. The business said it “will bring together the latest London F&B talent across 13 kitchens and two bars”. The offer will include restaurants, bars, delis and a guest chef rotation kitchen.
