New Duke Street partner

Duke Street Capital has appointed David Williams as operating partner, with a focus on consumer facing investments, see also news this issue. His most recent role was chief executive of the Thresher Group, where he led the significant turnaround in profitability of this UK off licence retailer.

Williams has 30 years’ experience of successfully establishing consumer and leisure brands in the UK, Europe, Middle East and Eastern Europe. Prior to joining Threshers in 2001 he was chairman of Slug & Lettuce plc, where he was responsible for the strategic review and subsequent sale of the business. He formerly spent five years at Diageo plc as head of Burger King in Europe and the Middle East. Earlier roles include senior positions with PepsiCo, initially as CEO of Pizza Hut in the UK but also as senior vice president of Pizza Hut International and senior vice president of worldwide franchising for PepsiCco Restaurants International.

Williams’ appointment follows the recent announcement of three other additions to Duke Street’s growing team of operating partners.