Gaucho Group, the leading Argentine steak restaurant group operating the Gaucho and CAU brands, today announces that its founder, Zeev Godik, will step down from his role of Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect after 41 years at the helm of the business.
Godik wishes to consider wider interests and new opportunities based from Dubai where he and some of his family reside. He will remain a shareholder in, and strong supporter of, the Group alongside investors Equistone Partners Europe and Luke Johnson, whose participation he helped secure in 2016.
The firm has an experienced and complementary management team including Chief Operating Officer Tracey Matthews and Chief Financial Officer Frank Bandura. Matthews and Bandura will continue to work closely with Chairman Paul Mason, the wider board and the group's investors (including Godik) to lead the business until a new CEO is appointed. Godik will continue to provide the leadership team with support to ensure a smooth transition following his departure.
Godik commented, “I am hugely proud of this business. Since I founded Gaucho over 40 years ago, it has grown to be an internationally known and loved brand with a reputation for offering outstanding Argentinian food and excellent service across an accessible selection of price points.
“The time has come for a new chapter and I am looking forward to spending more time on my wider interests and with my family in Dubai. I’d like to thank all the people who have worked with me to grow Gaucho Group into the brand it is today. That includes of course the ongoing management team which I have brought together. It has been the biggest pleasure and privilege and I look forward to the continuing success of the Group.”
Chairman Paul Mason added, “Zeev has created a fantastic business with a great culture. On behalf of the whole Gaucho family, I would like to thank him for his leadership over so many years.”
“Well supported by our experienced investors, and with continued guidance from Zeev as a shareholder in the business, I will work closely with the group’s talented management team and board to deliver the group’s ambitious growth plans.
'It is a truly exciting time for the business which continues to expand, investing in existing locations and opening new sites across the UK, including most imminently our new site in Edinburgh.”