Wagamama CEO steps down as group reshapes senior team

Thomas Heier is to step down as Wagamama CEO after four years in the role. 

Heier has been with The Restaurant Group (TRG)-owned brand for eight years in total, having joined as people director in 2017 before being promoted to CEO in 2021. He is set to leave on 2 June, with TRG's CFO Mark Chambers to assume the position. 

Chambers previously headed up TRG's leisure and concessions division, including Chiquito's and Frankie & Benny's, which the group acquired from The Big Table Group for £7.5m in 2023.

On his departure, Heier says: "Whilst I'm extremely excited about what comes next, I leave knowing the business is in a strong position for the future, and I look forward to watching the next phase of growth and innovation. I'll always be cheering the team on from the sidelines."

Wagamama currently operates over 160 locations in the UK, where it is known as a market leader in Pan-Asian cuisine. It also has franchised operations across approximately 50 sites in continental Europe and the Middle East. 

Further team shake-ups

At the same time, the group has announced the appointment of Stephen Judge as CEO of its North American division. 

Judge, who is currently COO of Gibsons Restaurant Group, will assume his position with Wagamama USA on 9 June. 

The brand owns and operates seven sites across the US, including restaurants in Boston, New York City, Arlington (VA) and Tampa (FL). Judge, who succeeds Richard Flaherty as CEO, will be assigned the key task of growing the business in the years ahead. 

"Stephen's track record makes him the perfect candidate to grow and develop the Wagamama brand in the US market," says Andy Hornby, CEO of TRG. "Throughout his career, he has developed unique dining concepts with a clear focus on service standards, culinary excellence and execution."

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