Whitbread hires director at TGI Friday

Whitbread has poached a new marketing director for its TGI Friday’s restaurant and bar chain from Bass.

Claire Price replaces marketing and commercial director David Graham, who left to become director of carbonated drinks brands at Britvic Soft Drinks at the end September.

Price will report to managing director Mike Johnson and handle marketing during a period of expansion in the UK.

Whitbread is spending 20m to double its 23-strong chain of restaurants within five years, in an attempt to boost annual sales from 50m to more than 100m.

Johnson says Price will play an integral part in developing the TGI Friday’s marketing strategy. “Claire Price brings a great deal of experience with her,” he adds.

As project, brand and marketing manager at Bass Leisure Entertainment, Price worked on Hollywood Bowl and the new Dave & Busters adult entertainment complexes.

Emma Fox is switching from Bass Breweries to replace Price as marketing manager at Bass Leisure Entertainment.