Mexican chain Tortilla strengthens management as it prepares for expansion

Mexican fast-casual dining group Tortilla has strengthened its management team as it plans to expand the brand across the UK.

The move comes after Tortilla raised £3.5m from private-equity investor Quilvest last November and it revealed plans to open 25 sites across the UK within the next few years.

Cyrus Kyani has been appointed financial controller. He joins the group after positions at Royal Albert Hall, Pret à Manger and Giraffe.

Meanwhile Rob Lucy has joined the company as head of property acquisitions, having previously worked with companies including Davis Coffer Lyons, Christie & Co, and Mitchells & Butlers, his focus will be on acquiring sites in key areas targeted by Tortilla.

Managing director Brandon Stephens, who founded Tortilla in 2007, said: "Cyrus comes to us with extensive experience in the casual-dining space and a strong understanding of best practices in F&B, which are critical to ensuring we grow without straining the operations. And I'm delighted to have Rob on board - he brings a proven track record in property acquisitions and is one of the best in the industry at what he does."

The appointments follow Tortilla's recent launch of its eighth store in Wimbledon, south London. The group's current portfolio also includes sites in Islington, Southwark, Oxford Circus, Canary Wharf, Leadenhall Market, Hammersmith and Westfield Stratford.

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By Kerstin Kühn

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