Popeyes UK hires David Carey as Chief Technology Officer

Following the recent announcement of its UK launch, US fried chicken restaurant brand Popeyes has unveiled its senior team as it works towards its first restaurant opening this autumn.

UK CEO Tom Crowley will lead the team, comprised of: Chief Development Officer, Tom Byng; Chief Technology Officer, David Carey; and Chief Operating Officer, Neil Williamson.

The brand’s UK CMO and Head of People are expected to be appointed in the near future.

Byng joins from Fulham Shore, owner of Franco Manca and The Real Greek.

Carey is formerly of The Restaurant Group, where, as Digital Director, he was responsible for brands including Wagamama, Frankie & Benny’s, and Chiquito.

According to a press release, “he will lead on all restaurant and consumer tech, building systems to simplify operations, enable frictionless guest experiences, and understand and analyse guest data.”

Carey will oversee the creation and roll-out of Popeyes UK’s app, which will have its own delivery service.

Williamson, meanwhile, previously worked at Farmstand, where he was also COO. Prior to that, he held senior operations roles within Krispy Kreme UK and McDonald’s.

Crowley, whose CV includes stints as MD at Giraffe Concepts and CEO at Boparan Restaurant Group, comments: “The buzz around our arrival is the envy of every restaurant business, and our proposition is unlike anything else on offer here currently.”

“We’ve assembled exactly the right blend of progressive, forward thinking minds to bring it to life in a way which will be completely unique for UK guests.”

He adds: "We’re keen to leave a lasting legacy in the UK communities we’ll be situated in, through an emphasis on responsible, sustainable practices and jobs creation.”

“This spans critical operational roles in construction, supply chain and distribution, as well as providing a direct boost to the UK hospitality sector by hiring talent to prepare and serve our world famous products.”

Popeyes is is looking to open 350 new restaurants on these shores over the next 10 years as part of a European expansion plan.