Bristol restaurant chain announces senior appointment

Bristol restaurant chain Loungers has appointed a new chief financial officer.

The leading operator of all day café/bar/restaurants across the UK under the Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside brands has announced the appointment of Stephen Marshall as chief financial officer.

Stephen will join the Loungers Board with effect from 23 April 2024.

Stephen has extensive experience as a chief financial officer and in all aspects of finance, IT, procurement and project management.

Between July 2021 and November 2023, he was CFO of Pure Electric, a founder-led e-scooter company.

Between December 2018 and July 2021, he was CFO of Nisbets, a leading multinational supplier of catering equipment.

From 2013 to 2018, he held a number of senior roles at Dyson, the global technology brand, including K Finance Director and interim CFO.  Stephen qualified as a Chartered Accountant with EY in 1995.

Gregor Grant, the current CFO will step down from the board on 23 April 2024 but will remain with the Company to provide support and to assist with the efficient handover of responsibilities to Stephen until the end pf July.

Alex Reilley, chairman of Loungers, said: “We are delighted to appoint Stephen to the Loungers team, and look forward to benefitting from his consumer sector and financial expertise.  Loungers continues to go from strength to strength and Stephen’s appointment will help us build on our market-leading position as we carry out our ambitious site roll-out plan.

“The board would again like to thank Gregor for his commitment and enormous contribution over his time at Loungers. Gregor will leave the Company with our very best wishes for his future.”

Stephen Marshall added: “I am hugely excited to be joining Loungers at this exciting point in its extraordinary story. It is a business with a clear strategy, enormous growth potential and an exceptionally strong team. I am looking forward to playing a part in its ongoing success.”