Hero Brands has appointed a senior figure from Yum Brands to spearhead its franchise recruitment strategy throughout Europe.
Chris Palmer joins Hero Brands from Taco Bell as Franchise Director and will be charged with developing and growing brand partnerships across the region.
The multi franchise experienced team at Hero Brands is building the fast-casual brands of tomorrow.
German Doner Kebab is its flagship brand and is going from strength to strength as it embarks on expansion across the globe.
The brand is now rolling-out aggressively throughout Europe, the Middle East and USA, with over 700 franchises already signed-up to the German Doner Kebab project globally.
Hero Brands has also recently launched a new healthy fast-casual food experience to UK consumers.
The disruptive fast-casual brand portfolio will open its first flagship Choppaluna store in Bloomsbury, London, in October 2019.
Billed as a new way to eat and a great-tasting and healthy alternative to classic fast-food, Choppaluna has already signed-up 12 franchises with another 60 ready to go.
Hero Brands Global Franchise Director Jon Cullen believes Chris Palmer’s experience will be invaluable in strengthening the senior team and growing the reach of the respective brands.
He said: “Our fast-casual brands will be the stars of tomorrow, responding to the needs of Generation Z who are demanding better, healthier food in nicer places but still at a great price.
“Chris joins us as we embark on significant growth and his experience will be crucial in developing new multi-site partnerships which will expand the reach of our brand portfolio.”
Chris brings over 15 years’ experience in the franchising sector, having previously held the position of European Franchise Manager for Taco Bell, overseeing the opening 50 new restaurants in the UK and Europe over an 18-month period.
His previous roles also include being part of the management team that transformed the loss-making Harry Ramsden’s.
He said: “It’s very exciting to be joining Hero Brands as it forges ahead with plans to truly disrupt the fast-casual space.
“We are building amazing brands of the future and I am looking forward to moving at pace with our multi-franchise partners to bring the brands to even more consumers throughout the region.”
