Crêpeaffaire, the leading crêpe-led concept with 26 UK and international sites, including 10 in Saudi Arabia, has appointed João Noronha Lopes as Non-Executive Chairman.
João’s appointment comes as the group gears up for growth, with ambitions to take the brand to 50+ new locations over the next five years through a combination of company-owned and franchised openings in the UK and internationally.
João is a highly experienced executive who has spent the past two decades in senior management globally, mainly in the FMCG and hospitality sectors.
A specialist in franchising, he spent 18 years with McDonald’s - joining as Director of Franchising for South Europe and working his way up to Corporate VP and Chief Franchising Officer for the business globally - before founding VIRA Frangos and taking on additional advisory roles.
Daniel Spinath, Founder of Crêpeaffaire, shared, 'João has an unrivalled wealth of international experience in hospitality, and we are delighted to have him on board at this critical moment for our brand and its growth.
'He shares our vision and excitement, and I look forward to working closely with him as we take the business through its next stage of expansion, both in the UK and overseas.”
Commenting on his appointment, João added, 'I have long admired Crêpeaffaire and its leadership team and am delighted to be joining this fantastic brand. Its unique positioning provides a huge opportunity for development through partnerships and franchising, both in the UK and globally.
'I very much look forward to taking the business to the next level with Daniel and his team.”