Hong Kong-based restaurant operator Pirata Group has appointed Burger King Scandinavia executive Steen Puggard as its new CEO to gear up for international expansion.
Puggard will commence his role at Pirata Group on July 18 as CEO, succeeding co-founder Manuel Palacio who will assume the chairmanship of the company and focus on providing strategic advice. In his new role, Puggard will oversee day-to-day operations and Pirata Group’s international expansion.
“What drew me to this role, in particular, was the ability to apply all of my previous experience to building on Pirata Group’s outstanding commitment to its people and guests,” Puggaard said.
With more than 25 years of experience in building both blue-chip brands and startups in Asia as a senior executive and marketer, Puggard was previously CEO at 4 Fingers in Singapore and recently at Burger King Scandinavia.
“We are now building for the future and taking steps to bolster our management experience,” said Palacio. “Steen is a very experienced leader who has the knowledge and expertise to drive our local and international expansion. He also shares our passion for culture and people, and the belief that people come first, followed by the guests – and business success is the outcome of the first two done right.”
Pirata Group plans to open 10 new restaurants and add about 300 new staff by the end of next year. The group said it aims to have 100 restaurants and a presence in five countries within the next five years.
