Wagamama's Neill takes on role with Las Iguanas

Latin American restaurant chain Las Iguanas has appointed hospitality veteran Ian Neill as non-executive chairman.

Neill, who is also chairman of Asian noodle chain Wagamama and a non-executive director of Jamie Oliver's new chain Jamie's Italian, will be investing in Las Iguanas.

The move follows the departure of recently-departed Premium Bars & Restaurants chief executive Mark Jones from the Las Iguanas board.

“Las Iguanas has a unique well executed offer which I believe has great potential for further expansion,” he said.
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Las Iguanas chief executive, Eren Ali, added: “Neill’s experience in the casual dining market is second to none and he will be an invaluable addition to the team.

“He has a real understanding of what Las Iguanas is all about and will be very much involved in our plans to roll out the brand going forward.” Â
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Neill has more than 40 years experience in the hospitality industry including PizzaExpress where he was director and general manager before leaving to become managing director of branded restaurants at Rank Organisation between 1989 and 1993.

In 1995 he was hired as a consultant to drive Wagamama’s expansion plans and became chief executive of the group in 1997 and executive chairman in March 2006.

Mark Jones joins Las Iguanas board >>

Las Iguanas restaurant chain owner under new ownership >>

Ian Neill profile >>

By Kerstin Kühn

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