Former Leon franchise boss Nick Scovell is to return to the business to run restaurant operations and grow franchise opportunities.
Scovell initially joined the healthy fast food chain in 2016, where he led franchising across the UK and internationally for five years. During that time, he helped take Leon into five markets.
In his new role, Scovell will focus on strengthening restaurant operations while identifying opportunities for further franchise growth.
“Coming back to Leon feels incredibly exciting,” said Scovell. “Having been part of the journey before, it’s exciting to return at such a pivotal moment for the brand.
“The focus on food, wellbeing and the environment has always resonated deeply with me, both professionally and personally. I’m looking forward to helping drive the next phase of growth and supporting our franchise partners to succeed.”
Leon co-founder and owner John Vincent added: “Nick was a big part of growing Leon. I am very happy he is back. His pattern recognition for what has to happen to make us the leader in naturally fast food is exceptional.”
His appointment comes as Leon is undergoing a turnaround plan after Asda sold the chain back to Vincent in October, as he vowed to reinvigorate Leon and return it to its core values.
In this next phase of growth, Vincent is rebuilding the chain’s senior team and bringing back individuals who were closely involved in the brand’s earlier expansion.
Last month, Leon announced that Chris Burford would return to Leon as chief financial offer, a role he previously held in 2021.
Burford initially joined Leon in 2014 as director of finance, following an eight-year run as finance controller at Wagamama. In his new role, Burford will oversee the financial strategy, and manage property and the commercial aspects of the supply chain.
As part of Leon’s turnaround plan, the food-to-go chain appointed advisory firm Quantuma as administrator in December to “lay out options for the future of the company” in a bid to close loss-making restaurants.
The restructuring will involve the closure of several Leon restaurants and a number of job losses.
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