The CEO of London-based health food chain Crussh is leaving the business after fours year at the helm to take on “a new challenge”.
The fast food retailer has kicked off a search for a new boss to replace Shane Kavanagh and lead the next phase of growth at the company as it aims to become a national and international fmcg brand.
During his time as CEO, Kavanagh has grown Crussh’s 28-store, London-focused estate to 35 outlets, including the brand’s first sites outside the capital, in Birmingham and Bristol. He has also forged franchise partnerships with food-to-go group SSP and facilities management giant Sodexo, as well as launching an exclusive retail range with Sainsbury’s.
Crussh rolled out a selection of its health pots and wraps in more than 300 Sainsbury’s stores across the UK earlier this month, following a successful trial last year.
Crussh executive chairman Jonathan Hart praised Kavanagh for his role in the “transformation” of the healthy food and juice chain.
“Under Shane’s leadership Crussh has successfully evolved a strategy of franchise, concession and product supply, which is now delivering significant results,” he said. “In tandem with this, Shane has navigated the core business through the most turbulent times ever faced by London’s food-to-go marketplace.
“With the prospect of rapid growth for our product supply business, we now have a fantastic opportunity to develop Crussh as a national and international fmcg brand alongside our company-owned franchise and concession stores.
“Crussh has the potential to significantly build on its leadership in the healthy food-to-go sector and we are looking forward to finding someone with the skills and experience to take Crussh on to this next exciting phase of our development.
“We have an outstanding team at Crussh and I would like to thank Shane for creating a great future for Crussh and for leading the business with such passion and energy. He leaves with our best wishes.”
Kavanagh will leave his CEO role at the end of February, retaining an advisory position while a new boss is recruited. Hart will lead the business and, together with the rest of the senior team, will pick up Kavanagh’s responsibilities until a replacement is found.
Founded in 1998, Crussh Fit Food & Juice Bars runs 35 outlets across London, the south east, Bristol and Birmingham.
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