Mexican restaurant chain Tortilla has appointed former Bill’s Restaurants CEO Duncan Garrood as non-executive chair.
He will begin the role from 5 December, succeeding Emma Woods, who announced her plans to step down from the role in October, after four years on the board.
Garrood currently serves CEO of Empiric Student Properties and previously held the role of CEO at Punch Taverns, Ten Entertainment Group and Bill’s Restaurants.
He has held board roles as chair of Small Beer Brew Co and is currently senior independent director with the Brighton Pier Group. Garrood also brings international franchising expertise from his time with Alshaya, BAA and Eathos, which is Tortilla’s franchisee in the Middle East.
“It is a great honour to be invited to chair Tortilla, a brand I have admired for a long time and had the pleasure of working with, and to help the team steer through the next chapter of growth,” said Garrood.
”I’d like to thank Emma hugely for steering the company from its IPO and I look forward to working with the Tortilla team and our investors.”
Tortilla CEO Andy Naylor added: “We are delighted to welcome Duncan to the board. His deep understanding of international hospitality and franchising will be a tremendous asset as we continue to deliver on our growth ambitions both in the UK and overseas. I would also like to thank Emma for her support and stewardship over the past four years.”
His appointment comes after Tortilla delivered record UK profits in the first half of 2025 as adjusted EBITDA rose by 33% year on year to £2.4m.
The restaurant chain now expects 2025 to be the most profitable year in the UK in its history.
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