Comptoir the Lebanese restaurant chain has appointed former Leon managing director Nick Ayerst as CEO replacing Michel Orieux, who has been interim boss at the business since August this year.

Ayerst who joins the company next week is a restaurant veteran with more than 30 years’ experience in the trade. The group has 22 sites in the UK including in Chelsea, London Bridge and Liverpool Street.

He was recruited by Leon in 2020 to re-structure its operational model, investing in technology and increasing efficiencies and to develop growth strategies including the drive-thru model and franchising partnerships at the high-end quick service London commuter favourite, now owned by the Issa Brothers’ EG Group.

Prior to that, he spent 15 years in leadership roles at The Restaurant Group, the UK’s largest listed restaurant company, where he was a member of the executive team.

Between 2013 and 2020, Ayerst was managing director of the company’s concessions arm, which operates restaurants, bars and outlets in airports, stations, shopping centres and Hilton Hotels, where oversaw the opening of 45 new sites.

Ayerst said: “I am joining Comptoir at an exciting time for the company. The strength of the Comptoir brand, talented team and vision of the new board to grow the business and deliver a best in class offering for its guests make this a great opportunity. I see tremendous potential for the company to grow and capture market share and I look forward to building on Comptoir’s success.”

Beatrice Lafon, chair of the chain, said: “We are excited to welcome Nick to Comptoir as our new CEO. Nick brings over 30 years’ relevant experience in the sector, with the combination of skills and energy to lead the business through Comptoir’s next strategic growth phase.”

Orieux will revert to his role as independent non-executive director at Comptoir.