Harrison, who joins Prezzo following an eight-year stint as director of finance at Hotel Chocolat, will be responsible for supporting the implementation of changes announced by the Italian casual dining chain earlier this year.
They include plans to invest in continued menu development and high-quality ingredients, whilst also working to balance the cost-of-living crisis and increasing food costs.
She replaces Matt Prior, who left the business in February.
Prezzo, which is backed by Cain International, announced in late April that it would be closing 46 loss-making sites across the country following a strategic review of the business, putting 810 jobs at risk of redundancy.
At the time, the group said soaring inflation had made it impossible to keep all its restaurants operating profitably, and warned creditors that it would ‘likely enter into administration’ should the restructuring plan not be implemented.
All 46 sites listed at the time are understood to have since closed, leaving the group with an estate of 97 restaurants.
Prezzo says Harrison’s appointment is the ‘final chapter’ of the business’ strategic review, which is designed to ‘ensure long-term, sustainable growth’ amid a difficult period for the entire casual dining sector.
“Jo joining us is the final part of our plans to make sure Prezzo has a strong future right at the heart of the casual dining sector,” says Dean Challenger, chief executive at Prezzo
“We are pleased she can see the huge potential the brand has and wants to join us on that journey.”
Prior to Hotel Chocolat, Harrison spent time working in senior management and leadership roles across the retail and leisure industry, including three years at pub chain Wetherspoon’s and 11 years at supermarket giant Tesco.
“I am delighted to have joined Prezzo and very much looking forward to working with Dean and the team to deliver for our customers and colleagues,” she says.
“I am confident together we can ensure sustainable and profitable growth as we take Prezzo through this next chapter, creating long-term value for all our stakeholders.”
