Directional Pizza, which acquired Pizza Hut’s UK restaurant franchise back in January through a pre-pack administration, says Casciani, who formally takes over the role on 9 September, will be responsible for ‘leading brand modernisation and accelerating growth across the UK and Europe’.
The previous operator of Pizza Hut Restaurants in the UK, Heart with Smart (HwS), called in administrators at the beginning of the year following an extended period of uncertainty over the future of the business.
Under the deal, just one of Pizza Hut’s then 140 UK restaurants was closed. However, the group has subsequently shed a further five restaurants, leaving it with 134 sites operating.
“Gino’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment for Directional Pizza, as we begin to transform the way Pizza Hut shows up across our markets,” says Emily Curtis, chief people officer at Directional Pizza.
Casciani joins Directional Pizza from his role as global chief operating officer of Sushi Daily, part of KellyDeli Group, where he oversaw more then 1,500 sushi concession sites across Europe, Mexico, and the Middle East.
He has also previously served as VP of international operations and managing director for Taco Bell and KFC businesses across the UK and Europe.
“[Gino’s] extensive experience within other major QSR brands and strong leadership skills will be key to unlocking that next chapter of innovation and brand growth,” Curtis adds.
Directional Pizza is owned by Directional Capital, an investment firm that also controls much of Pizza Hut’s dine-in operations in Denmark and Sweden.
Pizza Hut Restaurants is the dine in arm of Pizza Hut in the UK and is an entirely separate entity to Pizza Hut Delivery, which is owned by Yum! Brands.