Sports Cafe founder Bill Balkou has stepped aside from his role as chief executive of the company after 11 years.

Balkou will become development director at Sports Cafe and has been succeeded as chief executive by Peter Marks, 46.

Marks has worked as a director at nightclub operators Northern Leisure and Luminar during his career.

Ian Lenagan, chairman of Sports Cafe, said: “I am delighted that Peter has joined the board, bringing with him considerable experience of expanding and exploiting brands similar to Sports Cafe.”

Lenagan expressed his pleasure that Balkou would be staying with the company to assist the new chief executive in the rollout of new sites.

Sports Cafe ends all offer talks despite weak end to 2006 >>

By Chris Druce

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