Market Halls has named a new chief executive as it sets its sights on surpassing £100 million in annual revenue and aims to double its footprint over the next three years.
Former Laine Pub Company managing director Dan Hills has been appointed managing director and chief executive designate at Market Halls, as the group plans to expand from five to ten food halls by 2028.
Hills will work alongside founder and current chief executive Andy Lewis-Pratt as he transitions into leadership. Lewis-Pratt, meanwhile, will step into a new board role, focusing on driving the company’s growth and expansion.
Hills began his career at Laine Pub Company as bar staff in 1999 and steadily rose through the ranks, becoming managing director two decades later, a role he held until stepping down in 2023.
Founded in 2018, Market Halls operates four London food halls in Victoria, Oxford Street, Canary Wharf, and Paddington. Earlier this year, it made its first regional move with the multi-million-pound acquisition of Shelter Hall on Brighton seafront from rival operator Sessions.
The company aims to become the UK’s largest food hall operator, targeting growth in annual sales from £45 million to £100 million within three years.
Recent filings state that the company is 'actively pursuing' expansion opportunities, exploring both new-build sites and the acquisition of existing food halls.
For the year ending 30 June 2024, Market Halls saw pre-tax profits surge to £1.17 million, up from £235,438 the previous year, while adjusted venue EBITDA increased from £2.5 million to £3.8 million.
Hills said: “I’m delighted to have joined this incredible operation. I’ve admired the Market Halls business for many years and am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead it through the next stage of growth.”
Market Halls partners with a variety of independent food traders, including Roti King, Bao, Butchies, and Breddos Tacos.
