German Doner Kebab appoints global COO
The appointment of Daniel Bunce follows a busy 2021 where the brand opened 39 new restaurants throughout the UK, with plans to open a further 78 restaurants this year
German Doner Kebab (GDK) has appointed Daniel Bunce as its new global COO to help spearhead the brand’s global expansion plans.
Bunce has been promoted to the role from his current position as managing director for German GDK UK and Europe.
The group said that since joining in 2018, he has been “instrumental” in the leadership team, bringing “outstanding momentum” to the brand and helping position GDK as one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the UK.
Bunce was also described as a key influence and figure in driving ongoing franchise development, sales growth, and developing brand awareness and customer loyalty.
His promotion follows a busy 2021 where the brand opened 39 new restaurants throughout the UK, with plans to open a further 78 restaurants this year.
The past year also saw the brand deliver a significant rise in UK total sales, up 75% from the previous 12 months, with same-store sales for 2021 also up 27% on 2020.
The chain now employs over 3,500 people in its restaurants throughout the country, the brand boasts a development pipeline of 350 franchise units over the next seven years.
He takes up the global role as plans are in place to open 11 new restaurants in North America, and also to bring GDK to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Ajlan Bin Ajlan Group has been signed-up as the master-franchisee in Saudi Arabia, with a development agreement of 100 restaurants over the next five years. Further growth is also set to be announced for Ireland and Spain in Europe.
Bunce said: “I am excited to be moving into the role of Global COO and continue growing and developing GDK into an international, game-changing brand of the future.
“2021 was a monumental year for GDK, particularly with our UK restaurants, but I am looking forward to our exciting expansion plans as we look to grow across key regions in America, Canada and the Middle East, bringing a fresh and exciting alternative to the Gen Z and Millennial audience.”
Imran Sayeed, group CEO, said: “Daniel has been a key figure in establishing German Doner Kebab as one the fastest growing fast-casual brands in the UK.
“His experience has been invaluable and has helped us develop strong franchise relationships in strategic global locations. We are excited for him to move into this new role and lead our global growth strategy across key regions in the USA, Canada and Saudi Arabia and Europe.”