Thai Leisure Group dishes out senior appointments
York-headquartered Thai Leisure Group, which owns the UK’s largest Thai restaurant chain – Chaophraya and Thaikhun – has bolstered its senior management team with the appointment of new roles and internal promotions.
Charlotte Kennedy was recently hired as head of sales. She brings more than eight years of managerial experience to the business, having previously held a role as business development manager at Splendid Hospitality Group, as well as senior management roles for Advancis Medical, Sainsbury’s and Bannatyne Health Club.
She will work with Thai Leisure Group’s business development managers to drive new business and increase sales targets restaurant-wide.
Managing director at the group, Ian Leigh, said: “We’re excited to welcome Charlotte to our team, as we continue our rapid growth plan.
“Our people are a huge part of creating and nurturing the amazing culture that we have at Thai Leisure Group. Hard work and passion remain vital to our success and we’re sure Charlotte will bring this and more in the coming months.”
The group has also promoted a number of its current employees including Monica Modena, who was recently promoted to head of marketing from marketing manager.
During her three years at Thai Leisure Group she has progressed through the sales and marketing team now to build and lead it.
She has experience in other hospitality groups within operational and training roles so brings a wealth of experience.
Richard Simpson
Richard Simpson, previously at Drake and Morgan, has been promoted from business manager at Chaophraya Edinburgh to Chaophraya’s director of operations.
The role is an entirely new position within Chaophraya and will see him oversee operations for all Chaophraya sites, working with the rest of the senior management team to deliver objectives and high-quality service to customers nationwide.
Leigh said: “We were happy to offer promotions to Monica and Richard, who have given so much to the business during their time and have thrived in their roles.”
Modena added: “I’ve been fortunate to work in various marketing positions at Thai Leisure Group, which has been invaluable in seeing how the business works at every level.
“I’ve loved every minute of my upwards journey and I can’t wait to be a part of what comes next.”
As well as investing internally in its team, the group has also committed to investing £1m on upgrading and refurbishing many of its restaurants. Every Chaophraya site – including the restaurant in Leeds – will be refurbished over the next three years.
