Having been part of the Carluccio’s start-up team since 1999, Frank Bandura will step down after 17 years as Chief Financial Officer on 5 September.
Bandura has guided the business from inception to a flotation on AIM in 2005 and then back to the private market in 2010 when the business was sold to Landmark. He led finance, logistics, supply chain and IT functions for the group which now trades from 100+ sites in seven countries.
Frank Bandura said, “It's been a real privilege to be an integral part of the Carluccio’s growth story from small start-up to multinational business, but after all this time it really is right for me to move on and let a new team take it forward”.
Bandura's successor is Jonathan Blanchard who joins Carluccio’s from leading cycle retailer, Evans where he was Chief Financial Officer. Previous positions include Chief Financial Officer at handbag and accessory retailer, Radley + Co, and Group Finance Director at Eagle Rock Entertainment Group.
Blanchard has nearly 20 years experience at board level and a strong track record in creating significant value in private equity backed businesses. Most recently, he completed the high profile sale of Evans Cycles to ECI on behalf of Active Private Equity. He has significant multi-site, multi-channel retail and in-depth operational experience across many back office functions including IT, logistics and supply chain.
Neil Wickers, CEO of Carluccio’s said, “Frank has been a key member of the management team and has helped to make Carluccio’s the success story it is today. I wish him the very best for the future. I’d also like to take this opportunity to welcome Jonathan to the team. I am confident that he will help drive the business forward as it enters the next stage of its development.”