Woods joined the board of the fast casual Mexican chain four years ago. Her hospitality experience includes being the CEO of Wagamama from December 2018 to June 2021, during which time she navigated the acquisition by TRG and the Covid-19 pandemic.
She has also held hospitality roles as Wagamama’s chief growth officer and as group marketing director at Pizza Express.
“It has been an absolute privilege to serve as chair of Tortilla alongside Brandon, Andy and the rest of the Board. Over the past four years, I’ve loved watching our passionate teams grow the business in the UK and take our first steps into Europe through the conversion of Fresh Burritos stores in France,” says Woods.
“With Tortilla now well positioned for its next phase of international growth, this feels the right moment to hand over the burrito baton to a new chair to help drive the business’s European and franchise ambitions.”
Making the announcement, Tortilla said it had initiated a search for an experienced independent chair to support its next phase of growth, including international expansion plans. Woods has agreed to remain with the group for the remainder of the year to ensure an orderly transition.
“On behalf of the Company and the Board, I would like to sincerely thank Emma for her leadership and commitment over her four-year tenure as chair,” says Andy Naylor, Tortilla CEO.
“During this period, she has provided valuable guidance and governance oversight through a time of significant growth for the business. The Board wishes her every success in the future.”