01 Aug 2014 Adrian Walker Takes Up Role of Pizza Hut Restaurant’s CFO
Pizza Hut Restaurants has appointed Adrian Walker as its Chief Finance Officer.
Adrian joins from Odeon Cinemas UK, where he led the finance function and drove investment in new acquisitions and estate development. As part of his role, he launched the Premium Cinemas initiative, a luxury cinema concept offering guests an in-screen dining experience.
Prior to Odeon Cinemas, Adrian was head of the UK finance function at Virgin Active and Vodafone in Australia.
Adrian is joining Pizza Hut Restaurants as CFO, following the appointment of Henry Birts as Deputy Managing Director, and joins at a point of significant change and transformation for the brand. As part of an exciting re-imaging programme, £60million is being invested into training, menu innovation and the remodelling of the estate, which will drive EBITDA and profit, and continue the business on its strong financial journey of recent years.
Adrian said: “Pizza Hut Restaurants is one of the UK’s best-loved restaurant brands and, as casual dining leader by footfall, it’s tremendously exciting to be part of the team taking this heritage brand towards its next dynamic, innovative incarnation. The future opportunity for Pizza Hut Restaurants is huge.”
Jens Hofma, Pizza Hut Restaurants’ MD commented: “Adrian comes to us with some brilliant leisure experience, which, coupled with his exposure to private equity backed businesses and keen commercial acumen, will help Pizza Hut Restaurants take the lead in the casual dining sector. We’re delighted to welcome him to the team.”