Ayerst, who recently announced he is to step down as CEO of the Levantine restaurant group after just over two years in the role, will take up his new role at the rapidly expanding premium bakery chain at the end of March.
“Nick’s extensive industry experience and people focused leadership will strengthen our team for the growth ahead and will contribute to our ambitious plans,” says Marta Pogroszewska, COO of Gail’s parent company Bread Holdings.
Ayerst, who prior to joining Comptoir Group was MD of Leon and led TRG Concessions, is one of two new appointments to the Bread Holdings portfolio.
The other is Dan Barrett, who has been named as the new managing director of wholesale bakery supplier The Bread Factory.
Barrett has spent the past three years working as MD of Bread Holdings’s wholesale business.
Prior to that he worked at Innocent drinks, Deliciously Ella, Deloitte and BT.
“[Dan] is devoted to The Bread Factory and our ambition to become one of top bakeries in the world, with a passionate focus on quality, impact and scale,” says Pogroszewska.
Both Ayerst and Barrett will report to Pogroszewska.
“As we grow, we are building our Bread Holdings Limited team and our business from strength to strength so that we can continue delivering high quality at scale and with positive impact on the world around us,” she continues.
“Our entire team is excited and looking forward to working with Dan and Nick in their new roles.”
Last week it was reported that Chaker Hanna is the frontrunner to replace Ayerst as CEO of Comptoir, despite him having been previously ousted from the company.
