German Doner Kebab (GDK) has announced two new senior leadership appointments. Tommy Edmond has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Amit Pancholi has taken on the position of UK Franchise Development Director.
These significant appointments come as GDK gears up to open its 150th store in the coming months, maintaining its ambitious growth trajectory.
The brand continues to experience robust sales growth, with year-on-year sales increasing by 7.7%, and it has plans for further expansion in both domestic and international markets.
Tommy Edmond brings more than a decade of financial leadership experience to GDK, having held senior positions at some of the world’s most recognised companies. His ten years at McDonald's UK & ROI, along with leadership roles at McLaren Applied and Uptake Strategies, have refined his skills in delivering actionable financial insights and fostering rapid business growth. Tommy studied Accountancy and Finance at the University of Cape Town and is a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, thanks to his work with Deloitte Johannesburg.
Edmond expressed his enthusiasm about joining GDK, stating that: “I’m thrilled to be part of GDK at such a dynamic time. My experience with McDonald’s and other fast-paced, high-growth companies aligns perfectly with GDK’s ambitious plans. I look forward to working with the team and our franchisees as we continue to build the world’s leading doner kebab brand.”
Amit Pancholi, an experienced QSR professional with extensive expertise in business development, property management, and franchising, joins GDK after holding leadership roles at Papa John’s, Domino’s Pizza, and other major brands. His in-depth knowledge of both the UK and international franchise markets will be instrumental in supporting GDK’s ongoing expansion. Amit’s proficiency in store acquisition, development, and recruitment of strategic franchise partners will be vital as GDK continues to grow its presence.
Pancholi expressed his excitement about his new role, saying: “GDK is a brand with incredible potential, and I’m eager to contribute to its next phase of growth. With a strong foundation in place and a bold vision for the future, I look forward to driving the expansion strategy and bringing the GDK experience to more customers across the globe.”
Simon Wallis, CEO of German Doner Kebab, said “We are delighted to welcome our new team members at this significant time for GDK. Their expertise will play a pivotal role as we continue our journey of growth and innovation. With our expansion into service stations and new product developments, we are not only growing our footprint but also reshaping the quick-service dining experience in the UK.”
