Gavin Cox has been announced as the new CEO at Famously Proper, the group that owns burger restaurant chain Byron and fried chicken street food brand Mother Clucker in the UK. 

Mr Cox, who joined the business recently, has experience with a number of major food organisations, including Adelie Foods, McCambridge Group and Street Eats. Famously Proper stated that his expertise – specifically focused on growth – fits with Famously Proper’s plans for the next stage in the development of the Byron and Mother Clucker brands.

Gavi Cox takes over from CEO, Simon Wilkinson, who joined Byron three years ago and has proved central in helping steer the business when it was acquired by Famously Proper in 2020. During a challenging time for the entire hospitality sector, he has led the re-opening of the restaurants post lockdown, accelerated the development of its digital presence, and managed the transition of the main supply chain provider. 

Simon Wilkinson says: “I have reached a stage in my life when I am looking for a change of direction. I believe my job is done and I am confident I am leaving Famously Proper in a very strong position to capitalise on future growth opportunities”.

Sandeep Vyas of Calveton and Chairman of Famously Proper says: “We thank Simon very much for his hard work and commitment to the business and wish him the very best for the future.  

“As the company shifts into the next phase of its development and expansion, we are delighted to have Gavin Cox at the helm, and we will continue to execute on our strategy of building a category leading platform delivering great experience to our consumers through destination restaurants and frictionless on demand digital access to great tasting food,” Mr Vyas added. 

The Byron burger chain was established in 2007 by Tom Byng, and has since expanded to 21 restaurants alongside seven delivery-only sites across the UK.  Meanwhile, fried chicken brand Mother Clucker launched at London's Old Truman Brewery in 2013 and has since also opened at the capital’s Flat Iron Square and via Deliveroo Editions in Whitechapel.