German Doner Kebab (GDK) has announced the appointment of Daniel Bunce as its new global chief operations officer (COO) to lead global growth plans.
Bunce has been promoted from his previous role of managing director for GDK in Europe and the U.K. He joined the leadership team in 2018 and has been instrumental in making it one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the U.K.
Bunce has been key in driving franchise development, sales growth, developing brand awareness and loyalty. His promotion follows a busy year in which GDK managed to open 39 locations in the U.K., with plans for a further 78 in 2022. He also oversaw a rise in sales, up 75 per cent from the previous 12 months, with same-store sales for 2021 also up 27 per cent on 2020.
Employing over 3,500 people, the brand has over 350 franchise units in its development pipeline, expected to open over the next seven years.
“I am excited to be moving into the role of global COO and continue growing and developing GDK into an international, game-changing brand of the future,” said Bunce.
“2021 was a monumental year for GDK, particularly with our U.K. restaurants, but I am looking forward to our exciting expansion plans as we look to grow across key regions in
America, Canada and the Middle East, bringing a fresh and exciting alternative to the Gen Z and millennial audience.”
Plans are also in place for 11 new restaurants across North America as well as a deal with the Saudi master franchisees, Ajlan Bin Ajlan Group, to open 100 new restaurants over the next five years.
“Daniel has been a key figure in establishing German Doner Kebab as one the fastest growing fast-casual brands in the U.K.,” said Imran Sayeed, group CEO.
“His experience has been invaluable and has helped us develop strong franchise relationships in strategic global locations.
“We are excited for him to move into this new role and lead our global growth strategy across key regions in the U.S.A., Canada and Saudi Arabia and Europe.”
