Tortilla appoints new operations director

Stephen Clark has joined Mexican restaurant brand Tortilla as operations director, having previously led retail operations as director of pub group Young's, where he oversaw 72 hotels and pubs in London and the South West of England.

Tortilla, founded in 2007, is the UK's largest fast-casual Mexican restaurant brand, with 53 branches nationwide and more than 700 employees. It also has 10 stores in Dubai and Saudia Arabia.

Clark will be responsible for devising the company's operational strategy, as well as guiding the business towards its growth targets.

He was also previously regional operations director at Costa Coffee, where he was operational lead on Pronto, Costa's fast delivery store initiative.

Clark said: "I can't wait to get started. I have admired the Tortilla brand and its products for many years, and very much look forward to contributing to its exciting future growth."

Richard Morris, chief executive of Tortilla, added: "Stephen is the newest senior hire we have made for the business, and he brings a raft of experience that will be extremely beneficial to Tortilla as we position ourselves strongly to achieve our significant growth potential.

"I would also like to wish our existing operations director, Matt Chapman, the best of luck as he takes on his new role as franchise director. His support will be crucial as we manage this growing part of the business and continue to optimise our sector-leading portfolio."

This September, Tortilla revealed that it has plans to open 45 new restaurants over the next five years.