Directors

Richard Kleiner brings a wealth of relevant experience and knowledge to the Company, having previously served on the Board as Non-Executive Chair between March 2014 and August 2022. Mr. Kleiner is a chartered accountant by profession with many years’ experience in corporate finance, public markets and mergers and acquisitions. In addition to being the Chairman of Gerald Edelman Chartered Accountants, Mr. Kleiner was also a Non-Executive Director of Avanti Capital Plc, which was an AIM-listed investment company. Mr. Kleiner also has a number of other private company non-executive directorships. With this background Mr. Kleiner has substantial experience in guiding companies through their various phases of corporate development and growth.

Chaker has over 15 years’ experience operating at CEO level and served as Chief Executive Officer of Comptoir upon joining the Company in March 2010, until his departure in August 2022. In this capacity, Chaker was responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the Group, assisting in the turnaround, public listing in 2016 and expansion of Comptoir. Beyond Comptoir, Chaker has significant operational restaurant experience including renowned brands such as Chili’s, Pizza Hut, Bella Italia, Maggiano’s and Romano’s Macaroni Grill. Notably, Chaker was one of the team who launched the first Bella Italia assisting in the roll-out of the brand. He currently serves as Non-Executive Chair of fast-growing quick service restaurant brand Sandwich Sandwich.

Tony opened his first restaurant 23 years ago and has been widely recognised for making Lebanese and Middle Eastern food accessible on the high street within the UK. Tony has featured on various television shows explaining and demonstrating his passion for Lebanese and Middle Eastern food. Tony has released several cookbooks in the UK and internationally. Tony is responsible for all design and creative aspects of the Group.