Stephens, who launched Tortilla with his wife Jen in 2007, is joined at the company by Mac Plumpton, former managing director at Leon, who has been named as UK CEO.
In his new role, Stephens will focus on long-term strategy, concept and brand innovation, food development, technology roadmap, property selection, business development, and investor relations.
“I’m pleased to be returning to lead Tortilla through its next chapter,” says Stephens.
“We have built something meaningful, but there is significant work ahead.
“The experienced leadership team we have assembled are fully aligned on putting the customer first, investing in our product, and building a sustainable, pan-European business.”
Stephens’ appointment comes along with a raft of personnel changes that also include Marta Pogroszewska, former managing director of Bread Holdings, the parent company of Gail’s, joining the board as NED, while Edson Diaz-Fuentes, co-founder of London-based Mexican restaurant group Santo Remedio, joins the senior leadership team as food ambassador.
Francesca Tiritiello, former CFO of YUM! Europe, has stepped down from the board and role as NED to become board advisor, leading UK and European franchise development.
Naylor was named Tortilla CEO in March 2024 after Richard Morris stepped down after more than a decade with the company. Naylor, had worked alongside Morris for the past seven years, initially as chief financial officer, then with added business development leadership responsibilities and more recently as UK managing director.
“It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of Tortilla,” Naylor says.
“I am proud of what we have achieved together, most recently delivering a record year of profitability in the UK and making the first steps of our journey of European expansion. I believe now is the right time for new leadership to take the business forward.”