Restaurant chain Loungers makes trio of senior appointments

Bar-restaurant chain Loungers has announced three new senior-level appointments. The Bristol-founded group, which now operates 250 sites around the UK, has promoted current managing director Justin Carter to the role of group managing director.

He will take overall responsibility for the company's three brands – Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside. Mr Carter, who has been with the business for nine years, took up the position on Monday (April 8).

Meanwhile, Kate Eastwood will take over Mr Carter's role as as Lounge managing director. Ms Eastwood has joined the business from Fullers, where she was operations director and responsible for more than 100 sites in London and the south.

Loungers has also appointed David Matthews as Lounge operations director (north) following two years as a regional operations manager driving the expansion of the company in the north of the UK.

Nick Collins, chief executive of Loungers, said: “I am delighted for both Justin and David and would like to wish a very warm welcome to Kate. We have got to know Kate well over the last few months are excited about the impact she will have leading the Lounge business.

“As the business continues to grow, it’s critical we have the best organisational structure in place to protect and enhance both our culture and the hospitality we provide. The creation of the Group MD role provides a great platform for Justin to influence our current three brands in their different stages of evolution."

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The news comes just weeks after Loungers appointed a new chief finance officer.

In January, the operator of the Cosy Club and Brightside brands opened its 250th site. It follows strong revenue growth for the business.