Karen Forrester to leave TGI Fridays

She will be succeeded by Robert Cook, who will join the casual dining chain on 2 December from his current role as chief executive at Virgin Active.

It marks a return to the hospitality sector for Cook, whose previous leadership roles include a nine-year stint as chief executive of Malmaison and Hotel du Vin.

“It has been an unbelievable honour and privilege to have led the magnificent TGI Fridays UK family over the last 12 years,” says Forrester on her departure.

“It was an incredibly hard decision to hang up my stripes, but I’m excited to be handing over to new CEO Robert Cook who will steer the company on the next stage of its epic journey.”

TGI Fridays UK’s latest accounts for the full year to 30 December 2018 revealed total sales dropped from £216m to £208.8m between 2017 and 2018, but like-for-like sales have reportedly picked up in the current financial year.

“I’m leaving a business which is strong and healthy,” adds Forrester.

“In the last few years we’ve opened a raft of new restaurants, welcomed thousands more Friday family members (employees) and served millions of satisfied guests. This year profits and sales have grown and led to some brilliant guest experience scores.”