The new owners of struggling fishmonger and restaurant chain FishWorks have replaced chief executive Mitchell Tonks with chief operating officer Paul Goodale.

As part of a re-organisation, Tonks – who co-founded FishWorks in 1995 - becomes executive director and will be charged with spearheading the company’s media campaign, including associated books and TV appearances.

Goodale, formerly a director at Zinc restaurants, has held the role of chief operating officer for FishWorks since the spring.

The chain was rescued by recruitment and restaurant entrepreneur Gary Ashworth and Luke Johnson, former chairman of Pizza Express and Belgo, in February. 

The move came after rapid expansion of FishWorks saw the 12-strong group overstretching itself.

The fall-out saw chairman Roy Morris and Ratnesh Bagdai financial director of FishWorks quit the company in December and January respectively.

Ashworth said today: “Mitch has been the creator and driving force behind the FishWorks story and it was always my aim to surround his vision and passion with appropriately experienced management.”

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Luke Johnson and Gary Ashworth rescue FishWorks >>

Two more FishWork directors quit >>

Fallout at FishWorks continues with resignation of finance director >>

By Chris Druce

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