Hero Brands has appointed Nil Naik as its new franchise director.
He has more than 20 years’ experience in franchise sales and operations, working across brands such as Domino's Pizza, Papa Johns, Chaiiwala and Coffee Republic.
Naik will now help develop the Glasgow-headquartered group's growth strategy, working with Choppaluna co-founder Nikras Agha, with a particular focus on franchise sales acquisition strategies for the brand.
Choppaluna, the food-to-go salad brand, is seeking rapid expansion, with several new sites planned this year, to build on the existing estate in London and Berlin.
Hero Brands' portfolio also includes German Doner Kebab, which already has 700 franchisees signed-up to its growth strategy, alongside Island Poké and Dirty Bones, as well as fashion, health and media brands including King Apparel.
The group also recently partnered with YouTuber collective the Sidemen to launch food brand SIDES and XIX Vodka.
Naik commented: “Throughout my career in franchising, I have found that the right brands have a game-changing energy and attitude about them, which is why I am delighted to be joining Hero Brands and taking on the role of franchise director.
“Hero Brands has an impressive, and rapidly growing compilation of future-proof brands and from the outset I am also looking forward to working closely with Nikras and the team to play my part in successfully implementing Choppaluna’s growth ambitions.”
Agha said: We have an exciting year ahead of us and I have no doubt he will fit right in and be a driving force within the team.”
Jon Cullen, chief development officer at Hero Brands, added: “Nil brings a wealth of international franchising experience with world leading brands and his knowledge will be invaluable as we look to build on our growth, and work to complete a number of key acquisitions in the near future.”
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