Nando’s has hired Carol Sommerville, formerly of Compass Group UK & Ireland and Watchfinder, as its new chief people officer.
The company said that with over 25 years of experience in people-first businesses – including Compass, Yoox Net-a-Porter, Watchfinder and BT – Sommerville brings “a wealth of knowledge and heart to the role”.
Sommerville replaces Maria Horn, who has been with Nando’s for 11 years, holding a number of senior roles, including the past two and a half years as chief people officer.
Although Horn is stepping back from a full-time executive role, she will remain with the business in a part-time advisory capacity. The company said this transition has been part of a “long-term, planned succession”.
Mark Standish, Nando’s UK & Ireland chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Carol Sommerville as our new chief people officer for the UK and Ireland.
She’s passionate about helping people from all backgrounds thrive, which shines through in her work with the government’s Social Mobility Commission. We’re proud she’ll continue that important role alongside her work with us.”
