Former Paddy Power Ceo Andy McCue

PADDY POWER FORMER CEO FROM BOOKMAKING TO CASUAL DINING

McCue tapped to turnaround TRG’s fortunes.

Former Paddy Power chief executive officer and subsequently Paddy Power Betfair group chief operating officer Andy McCue has swapped bookmaking for casual dining.

McCue will enter the food and beverage industry with London-headquartered The Restaurant Group plc (TRG) as chief executive officer, effective September 19, 2016. 

TRG operates over 500 restaurants and pubs in the UK’s casual dining sector which comprise the Frankie & Bennys, Chiquito, Coast to Coast, Garfunkel’s, Brunning & Price and Joes Kitchen restaurant brands along with a Concessions business trading in over 60 outlets across more than 30 brands, primarily in UK airports.

According to Berenberg analysts, shares in the group rose 11 percent on the back of the announcement on the  belief that McCue could inspire a turnaround in the company’s lagging fortunes.

"Andy brings strong consumer, people and brand-led CEO credentials, with very relevant experience from a multi-site business,” Debbie Hewitt, Chairman of the TRG Board said. 

“His extensive strategic background, coupled with a strong commercial flair, proven hands-on operational expertise and digital credentials, will bring considerable strength and new skills to the leadership of our Executive Team. We welcome him to the Board and very much look forward to working with him”.