Simon Kossoff steps down as Carluccio's chairman
Simon Kossoff will be stepping down as chairman of the Italian restaurant group Carluccio's at the end of July after 17 years with the company.
He founded the company alongside Antonio Carluccio in 1999 and was CEO of the firm until February last year when he became chairman.
This followed the appointment of former Pizza Express managing director Neil Wickers as chief executive and co-founder Stephen Gee stepping down as the company's non-executive chairman.
Speaking about the moves at the time, Kossoff explained the appointment of a new chief executive had long been part of the group's plans for further growth.
Kossoff helped build the Carluccio's brand to more than 100 stores in the UK and internationally and will step down on 31 July. It is not yet known what he will be going on to do.
Owner Renuka Jagtiani said: "Simon has been integral to the success of Carluccio's since its inception in 1999; guiding its growth and development from start-up to one of the country's leading restaurant brands. We want to wish him the very best for the future, he will be missed by the whole team."
Kossoff added: "It's been a fantastic journey and I am desperately proud of the team and what they have achieved. However, after 17 years it really is time to let our CEO Neil Wickers take it forward and for me to focus on other things."
In the firm's last full accounts for the 12 months to 28 September 2014, it reported a turnover increase to £128.3m, up 8.8% from £118m the previous year.
The company opened 11 new stores in the UK and Ireland during the financial year, and opened a further five in the Middle East and Turkey under franchise.
At the year end the company had achieved the milestone of operating at more than 100 stores worldwide.
Carluccio's announces increased turnover and EBITDA >>
Carluccio's appoints Neil Wickers as new chief executive >>
Carluccio's set to add seven more restaurants >>
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