Restaurant Group serves up CFO contract to Barry Nightingale

Barry Nightingale was appointed as chief financial officer of embattled eatery operator The Restaurant Group on Wednesday, starting with the company and joining the board on 20 June.

The FTSE 250 firm said Nightingale is an experienced CFO, having recently held the role at Monarch Airlines as well as at leisure giant Betfred.

At Monarch he played a “considerable role” in the turnaround of the airline, the board said, and at Betfred he led the successful acquisition and integration of the Tote.

He has previously held senior finance roles at UK Car Group, Everything and Airtours, having qualified as a chartered accountant with Deloitte.

The board said Nightingale will have accountability for the finance function, and also for IT, procurement and property.

“I am delighted that [Nightingale] is able to join immediately and will be able to contribute to and support the implementation of the ongoing review of our operating strategy and brands,” said Restaurant Group CEO Danny Breithaupt.

“Together with his strong financial credentials, he brings very relevant experience from a variety of consumer, leisure and multi-site businesses and will add real strength to our executive team.”

Chairman Debbie Hewitt said Nightingale has a broad commercial background and extensive corporate finance experience.

“[These attributes] will bring new insights to the CFO role and which will allow him to make an immediate contribution to this important phase in the company's development and in the future,” she said.