German Doner Kebab appoints new COO to lead growth

Daniel Bunce is the man to spearhead the fast-casual brand's global expansion plans

German Doner Kebab is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Bunce as its new global COO. Promoted from his role as managing director for the UK and Europe, Daniel’s track record is impressive, since starting at GDK in 2018. He has been a key player in the rise of the brand and cementing its status as one of the UK’s fastest-growing restaurant chains.

Thanks to the contributions of the likes of Daniel, a busy 2021 saw GDK speed up where others slowed down. With the opening of 39 new UK restaurants and a further 78 planned this year, this coincided with a 75 per cent overall increase in sales and pre-existing restaurants also enjoying a 27 per cent increase on 2020.

With 3,500 UK employees and a planned 350 franchises in the next seven years, Daniel has clearly been busy. It is results like these that have seen him promoted.

He said: “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.”

He spoke warmly of his time in the UK but was also keen to highlight the potential of other regions of operation.

He said: “2021 was a monumental year for GDK, particularly with our UK 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.”

11 new restaurants are already planned for North America along with plans to see GDK in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Ajlan Bin Ajlan Group has been signed up as the master franchisee in Saudi Arabia with an agreement to reach 100 restaurants in five years. In Europe, Spain and Ireland are the latest targets with expansion plans set to be announced.

GDK Group CEO, Imran Sayeed, said: “We are excited for him (Daniel) to move into this new role and lead our global growth strategy across key regions in the USA, Canada and Saudi Arabia and Europe.”