As first reported by Propel, Thomas Heier (pictured above), is to step down as chief executive of Wagamama UK, The Restaurant Group (TRG), owned brand, after four years in the role to “pursue other opportunities.”
Heier joined Wagamama in 2017 as people director before taking over as chief executive in 2021, playing an instrumental role in leading the business through the numerous sector challenges over the last four years. Mark Chambers, currently chief financial officer of TRG, will take on the role of chief executive of Wagamama UK with effect from 2nd June whilst also continuing his role as chief financial officer of TRG.
Before taking on the role of group chief financial officer, Chambers was previously chief executive of TRG’s Leisure and Concessions division. Recognising the increasing importance of Wagamama’s International businesses, Andy Hornby, chief executive of TRG, will take on responsibility for Wagamama’s overseas operations. At the same time, the company has hired Stephen Judge as the chief executive of its North American division.
Judge, who is currently the chief operating officer of Gibsons Restaurant Group, will join as chief executive of Wagamama USA on 9 June 2025. Heier will be supporting the business through this transition until the end of June.
Wagamama operates from over 160 locations in the UK. It also operates franchised operations across approximately 50 sites in Continental Europe and the Middle East. Wagamama currently operates seven locations in the US, including restaurants in Boston, New York City, Arlington (VA), and Tampa (FL).
Hornby said: “Thomas’ contribution to Wagamama has been immense. He joined Wagamama as people director in 2017 and was hugely instrumental in building the culture that makes Wagamama so unique.
He then took over as chief executive of Wagamama in 2021 and has successfully led the business through numerous challenges including the last stages of covid, the cost-of-living crisis and the numerous cost pressures that have faced the whole sector.”
It is a testament to Thomas’ leadership that Wagamama has kept so much of what makes Wagamama so special and he will be leaving with all our thanks.” Heier said: “It has been the most incredible journey and an absolute privilege to lead the Wagamama team. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, and of the talented group of people I’ve had the opportunity to work with.
Whilst I’m extremely excited about what comes next, I leave knowing the business is in a strong position for the future, and I look forward to watching the next phase of growth and innovation. I’ll always be cheering the team on from the sidelines.” Last year, Propel revealed Wagamama had bought out its US joint venture.
The brand’s incoming US chief executive Judge originally grew up in the UK and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Honours) in Hotel & Catering Management from Nottingham Trent University. He became a professional chef in 1986 before moving to the US and “embarking on a highly successful career in the hospitality sector”.
His previous roles include group president of Café Operations at Hard Rock International president and chief executive of Romacorp president of Bonefish Grill, president of Seasons 52 Fresh Grill & Wine Bar, and vice president Food & Beverage for MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.
Judge, who succeeds Richard Flaherty as chief executive US for the brand, will be assigned with the key task of growing the Wagamama brand from this base in a disciplined and focused manner over the years ahead. Expanding the Wagamama brand internationally was cited as a key strategic priority for TRG at the time of its acquisition by Apollo in 2023.
Hornby said: “Stephen’s track record makes him the perfect candidate to grow and develop the Wagamama brand in the US market. Throughout his career he has developed unique dining concepts with a clear focus on service standards, culinary excellence and execution.”
Alex van Hoek, chairman of TRG and Apollo Partner, said: “Growing Wagamama’s presence in the US market is a key part of our growth plan for the business; we are pleased to have secured an individual of Stephen’s experience and quality to lead our US franchise.”
