Nick Basing to join Dawnay Day International

Nick Basing, chief executive of Paramount Restaurants and former Catey winner, is to leave the company to join its former owner Dawnay Day International.

Basing, who has worked with the Chez Gérard, Bertorelli and Caffè Uno operator for more than five years, will join the investment firm as director on the board to focus on opportunities across the leisure industry.

He will be replaced by Mark Phillips, former managing director of Whitbread Restaurants.

Phillips, who will start at Paramount on 4 June, was responsible for overseeing more than 400 outlets at Whitbread Restaurants and during his time in this role significantly boosted the group's profitability.

Previously, he held a variety of other positions at Whitbread including managing director of Costa Coffee and finance director of Whitbread Restaurants.

Paramount chairman John Conlan said Phillips' experience in the leisure industry make him well placed to succeed at Paramount.

"Phillips has a successful track record of running large multi-site businesses and achieving operational improvement and growth," he said.

Phillips said: "Paramount Restaurants has some of the strongest brands on the high street and is in a good position to continue to roll these out. My experience at Whitbread, where I improved the performance of the restaurant division and doubled the number of outlets of Costa Coffee, will be directly relevant to my new role."

Conlan also thanked Basing for his "considerable efforts" and contribution to the achievements of Paramount during his time.

"Nick leaves the business on good terms and we wish him every success in the future."

Basing added: "I have very much enjoyed leading Paramount Restaurants for the past five years. The group now has several very strong brands and a strong team."

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By Kerstin Kühn

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