German Doner Kebab appoints Sofia Dimen as new UK managing director

She replaces Daniel Bunce who was recently promoted by GDK as its international global chief operating officer.

German Doner Kebab (GDK) announced the appointment of Sofia Dimen as its new managing director for the UK to build on its ambitious growth plans.

Dimen is the founder of Basepoint Consulting and former Senior Commercial Consultant at OXYGY Ltd, a Bird & Bird International law firm, where she has worked with a range of top brands across the food and beverage sector including Greggs, Pret A Manger, Halo Burger, Daimon Brewery, Wagamama, amongst others.

She replaces Daniel Bunce who was recently promoted by GDK as its international global chief operating officer to spearhead the brand’s international growth plans.

GDK has plans to open a further 78 restaurants in the UK this year. In 2021, the brand saw a significant rise in UK total sales, up 75% from the previous 12 months.

The brand previously disclosed a development pipeline of 350 franchise units over the next seven years, with further growth also set to be announced for Ireland and Spain.

“GDK has undergone monumental growth in the UK over the past year and I am looking forward to developing our growth plans and bringing our fresh and exciting offering to the Gen Z and Millennial audience throughout the UK,” Dimen said in a statement.

Imran Sayeed, Group CEO, added: “I fully expect Sofia to not only be influential in helping us meet our ambitions of opening 78 restaurants in 2022, but truly driving the growth of our footprint in the next few years as we aim to reach 350 stores. We are growing at a great pace and in her new role Sofia will also be leveraging her significant experience to support operations, marketing and developing franchise business relationships.”