Healthy fast food chain Leon has announced the appointment of former McDonald's Ireland managing director Adrian Crean as a non-executive director of Leon Ireland.
Crean served as managing director of McDonald's Ireland from 2011 to 2017.
"Delighted"
Leon Ireland managing director Stuart Fitzgerald stated, "We are delighted to further strengthen our board with Adrian's appointment. His expertise and experience will be invaluable as we navigate the post-COVID-19 economy. Adding someone of Adrian's calibre reinforces our optimistic view of the prospects for Leon in Ireland and our belief that there is a sizable market opportunity."
Looking Beyond The COVID-19 Crisis
Fitzgerald added, "While our focus right now is on health and safety, we firmly believe that Leon is well-positioned to respond to post-COVID-19 consumer demand, given the affordable and fresh nature of our offering. We are working hard to ensure our restaurants remain safe, comfortable and welcoming for our guests and team for when we reopen and abide by all necessary social distancing guidelines. We're dedicated to fulfilling our roll-out plan and contributing positively to the Irish economy and jobs market again post-COVID. To date, the state's COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme has been invaluable in helping us look after our people.
"Consumer stimulus initiatives and business support packages other than traditional debt instruments are required to reinvigorate our economy once the lockdown ends. We are going to need real leadership from the state to deal with fixed occupancy costs such as rent, rates and service charges, and I would hope that learnings from other states will be considered. All stakeholders, operators, landlords, debt providers, team members, consumers and the state need to work together. Only with mutual cooperation can we emerge stronger, more resilient, with both our economy and way of life recovering."
"Excited"
Meanwhile, Crean commented, "I'm excited to join the Leon Ireland board and support Stuart and the team with their plans to grow the brand. Everyone has a need to adapt their businesses during these challenging times. Support from all stakeholders will ensure the majority of businesses can sustain through this period and, like Leon, re-ignite and grow their businesses, getting as many people back to work as quickly as possible in an environment that is safe and welcoming."
© 2020 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
