The Restaurant Group has appointed the ex-finance director of Whitbread as a non-exec board director.

David Richardson, 55, will take up the post from 1 February and will also become a member of the Remuneration, Audit and Nomination Committees.

Richardson joined Whitbread in 1983 but retired as finance director in 2005.  Until recently, he was also a non-executive director of De Vere Group and was involved in the bid process and ultimate sale of the group to the Alternative Hotel Group last summer.

He also holds non-executive directorships of Serco Group, Dairy Crest, Tomkins and Forth Ports.

Alan Jackson, chairman of The Restaurant Group, said: "We are delighted that David will be joining us.  He has much experience of the UK leisure market and in particular the restaurant market.  His appointment will serve to strengthen The Restaurant Group's board and we look forward to his wise counsel and contribution to our successful business."

The Restaurant Group posts strong results for 2005 >>

By Emily Manson

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