Simon Champion to step down as Boxpark CEO

In a statement, Champion said he wanted to 'recharge and seek a new challenge' following his departure from the group, which currently has sites in London and Liverpool and pioneered the use of shipping container boxes for pop-up street food traders.

“I love the Boxpark brand, and I’m really proud of the growth and everything that we achieved over the past seven year,” he said.

“The team at Boxpark is a wonderful, passionate group who I am grateful to for all their hard work, and I will miss them.”

Champion originally joined the company seven years ago and previously served as managing director and chief financial officer before being promoted to CEO following the departure of founder Roger Wade in April 2022​​.

Chairman Paul Thandi said: “I’d like to thank Simon for everything he has done for Boxpark over the past seven years.

“Simon has guided Boxpark well through significant challenges and growth through new venues during his tenure. We also thank Simon for making himself available to us for any help the business might need over the next few weeks. Simon helped build a great Boxpark team, with some exciting site openings over the coming year.”

Chief operating officer Ben Mclaughlin will lead the day-to-day business in the interim alongside Thandi as executive chairman.

Earlier this week Boxpark set out its plans to relaunch Camden’s Buck Street Market​​ having acquired the site earlier this year.

Boxpark Camden is set to officially open its doors to the public in late September, with the three-floor market to include 60 independent food and retail traders, alongside two bars, and a rooftop terrace (subject to planning permission).

Back in July it was revealed that the group's original outpost in Shoreditch would close this year​​ as the result of a planning requirement following the expiration of its lease. A campaign was subsequently set up​​ by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) to save the site.