Wagamama has hired well known retailer Allan Leighton its new chairman as it sets out to achieve further expansion overseas, particularly the USA.
Leighton is well known for his top level experience at the Asda supermarket chain, followed by positions advising or chairing such organisations as the Royal Mail, the Co-operative Group, BHS, Peacocks and Pandora.
Wagamama was launched in Bloomsbury back in 1992 by Alan Yau, who now operates the upmarket restaurant restaurant chain. It was acquired Duke Street Capital in 2011, and has now expanded to 102 outlets in the K, with over 30 franchises overseas. If the concept is successful nationally, the USA has the potential for hundreds of Wagamama outlets opening over the next decade.