Staffing

German Doner Kebab appoints global COO

German Doner Kebab has appointed Daniel Bunce, the brand's former managing director for German GDK UK and Europe, as its global COO. Provided.

March 2, 2022

German Doner Kebab has appointed Daniel Bunce, the brand's former managing director for German GDK UK and Europe, as its global COO to spearhead the brand's global expansion plans.

"I am excited to be moving into the role of Global COO and continue growing and developing GDK into an international, game-changing brand of the future," Bunce said in a company press release.

The brand opened 39 restaurants last year in the UK and plans to add 78 this year.

"2021 was a monumental year for GDK, particularly with our UK restaurants, but I am looking forward to our exciting expansion plans as we look to grow across key regions in America, Canada and the Middle East, bringing a fresh and exciting alternative to the Gen Z and Millennial audience," Bunce said.

The past year also saw the brand deliver a significant rise in UK total sales, up 75% from the previous 12 months, with same-store sales for 2021 also up 27% over 2020.

"Daniel has been a key figure in establishing German Doner Kebab as one the fastest growing fast-casual brands in the UK," Imran Sayeed, group CEO, said in the release. "His experience has been invaluable and has helped us develop strong franchise relationships in strategic global locations."

GDK has a development pipeline of 350 franchise units over the next seven years. Plans include opening 11 restaurants in North America as well as bringing GDK to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Growth is on the horizon for Ireland and Spain as well, according to the release.

GDK opened its first restaurant in Berlin in 1989 but is now based in Glasgow, Scotland.