Gail’s appoints international MD as it explores overseas expansion

Harry Goss has been appointed managing director of international at Gail’s as the British bakery chain explores overseas expansion.

Goss started his career at Lehman Brothers before working for Nomura for 13 years, ending his tenure at the Tokyo-based financial services group as managing director, head of leisure and hospitality for EMEA.

He has been a member of the Gail’s board since 2022 and also previously served as chair for Flat Iron’s and Sticks‘n’Sushi.

For the past four years, he was head of foodservice at hospitality investor McWin, which was reportedly in talks to buy Gail’s in late 2024.

Tom Molnar, chief executive of Gail’s, said: “We are pleased to confirm the appointment of Harry Goss as managing director of international at Gail’s. Harry brings extensive experience from iconic hospitality brands including Sticks‘n’Sushi, Lina Stores and Flat Iron, as well as the last four years at McWin and four years on our board.

“This marks an important step as we explore opportunities beyond the UK. For the past 20 years, Gail’s has been committed to improving the UK food system so we can feed more people better. Harry will be speaking with like-minded craft bakers across Europe and the US to develop partners aligned with our values and key purpose.”

Gail’s was founded by Yael (Gail) Mejia as a bakery in the 1990s to supply chefs and restaurants.

Molnar joined the business in 2003 and the bakery opened its first high-street site in Hampstead in 2005.

The bakery chain is also part-owned by hospitality entrepreneur Luke Johnson, who initially partnered with Molnar in 2011.

In 2021, Bain Capital Credit and EBITDA Investments took a major stake in the business, which now operates Gail’s bakeries in over 185 neighbourhoods across the UK.

Gail’s is due to open a new 3,200 sq ft bakery at the Broadway, a mixed-use development in London’s St James’ Park, next month.