Dame Karen Jones to step down as Prezzo executive chair
Jones, who was appointed to the role in 2018, will continue to work with the group as a special advisor. Jonathan Goldstein, CEO of private investment firm Cain International, which acquired Prezzo in December 2020, will become non-executive chairman of the 148-strong group.
“It has been an extraordinary journey over the past four years,” says Jones.
“With the active support of our new ownership, we have curated an outstanding leadership team that is well-equipped to navigate the current challenges of the economic environment.
“Armed with a sharp vision for growth and profitability and a strengthened brand, it is time to give that team room to make their mark and lead Prezzo to ever more success through its continued focus on people, customers, and quality.
“I would like to thank all our Prezzo people for their commitment and care as we have worked together to strengthen the business. Prezzo is now ready to take advantage of new market opportunities and I look forward to continuing to watch the business flourish in my role as special advisor.”
This transition follows the construction of the management team at Prezzo over the past year with the appointments of Dean Challenger as chief executive officer; Matt Prior as chief financial officer; Gwion Iwan as operations director; Olly Smith as chief culinary officer; and Mary Waldron as people director.
Jones, who co-founded Café Rouge with Roger Myers back in 1989, is also chair of steakhouse group Hawksmoor and Indian street food brand Mowgli, and sits on the board of Deliveroo.
She was named Retailers’ Retailer of the Year at the Retailers’ Retailer Awards 2022, organised by BigHospitality's sister title MCA, and was made a dame in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list earlier this summer.
