Various Eateries appoints veteran CFO in growth drive

Club, restaurant, and hotel owner and operator Various Eateries has appointed Sharon Badelek as chief financial officer (CFO), as it looks to expand its portfolio.

Badelek will take the role effective from April, replacing acting CFO James Darwent who has been in the role since November. He will also step down in his role as a director.

Various Eateries is the operator of the Coppa Club, Tavolino, and Noci brands.

Badelek has an extensive career spanning over 30 years, having most recently worked as CFO of RedCat Pub Company, where she was involved in the acquisition of 110 pubs in a 12-month period.

In 2005, Badelek joined Vue Entertainment as a member of the original executive team, in which she was instrumental in several major acquisitions. After spending nine years at Vue, Badelek played an important role in selling the business for £950m.

Badelek has held various other roles in senior positions at Inspired Villages, Novus Leisure, Westpoint Veterinary, Holmes Place Health Clubs, and Carlton Communications.

Badelek has been ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualified since 1996, a certification achieved during her time as group chief accountant at ITV.

Andy Bassadone, executive chairman of Various Eateries, said: “Sharon has an impressive track record in scaling customer-centric businesses in our industry and I have no doubt the knowledge and experience she has built over several decades of good and bad markets will be of great benefit to Various Eateries as we pursue our growth ambitions.”

Sharon Badelek said: “With strong brands that resonate with the modern consumer, a highly experienced senior team and a clear strategy for expansion, Various Eateries has an exciting opportunity to grow into a leading name in UK hospitality.”