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. Charlotte 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.
Charlotte will work with the group’s business development managers to drive new business and increase sales targets restaurant-wide. Despite the uncertainty that the rising cost of living brings across the sector, Thai Leisure Group is determined to progress its growth strategy and hire leaders that will bring new ways of thinking into the business.
Managing director 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. Hard work and passion remain vital to our success and we’re sure Charlotte will bring this and more in the coming months. We are proud to be curating a powerhouse team of A-players.”
Thai Leisure 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 the restaurant chain, Monica 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 across all departments.
Richard Simpson previously at Drake and Morgan, has been promoted from business manager at Chaophraya Edinburgh director of operations. The role is an entirely new position and will see Richard oversee operations for all sites, working closely with the rest of the senior management team to deliver objectives and high-quality service to customers nationwide.
As well as recruiting externally, they continue to support internal progression by offering extensive, world-class training courses to support staff development. Just recently, seven senior members of the team, including Monica and five business managers, completed the ‘Inspirational Leadership Programme’ by training provider Quarterdeck.
Ian commented: “We’re always eager to provide top-quality training to ensure all divisions of our team are given progression opportunities. We were delighted to offer promotions to Monica and Richard, who have given so much to the business during their time and have thrived in their roles.”
Monica commented: “I’ve been fortunate to work in various marketing positions within the 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 the team to ensure service and quality remains the very best, Thai Leisure Group has also committed to investing £1 million on upgrading and refurbishing many of its restaurants. Every Chaophraya site will be refurbished over the next three years, with renovations set to start at the Glasgow restaurant in the coming weeks.
