German Doner Kebab (GDK), one of the fastest growing casual dining brands renowned for revolutionising the doner kebab, is pleased to announce two significant senior leadership appointments. Tommy Edmond joins the company as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), while Amit Pancholi steps into the role of Director of Business Development. These key appointments come at a pivotal time for GDK, as the company prepares to open its 150th store in the coming months, continuing its ambitious growth trajectory.
The brand continues to report strong sales growth, with brand’s year-on-year sales having risen by 7.7%, with a particularly successful period around World Kebab Day (12 July), where sales saw a 17.2% increase, driven by increasing consumer demand and the success of its franchise model. GDK’s focus on quality, innovation, and exceptional customer experience has positioned it as a key player in the fast-casual market, with plans for further expansion in both domestic and international markets.
Tommy Edmond – Chief Financial Officer
Tommy Edmond brings over a decade of financial leadership experience to GDK, having held senior roles with some of the world’s most recognised companies. His 10 years at McDonald’s UK & ROI, along with his leadership positions at McLaren Applied and Uptake Strategies, have honed his ability to deliver actionable financial insights and support rapid business growth. Tommy studied Accountancy and Finance at the University of Cape Town, and is a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants through his work with Deloitte Johannesburg.
Tommy expresses his excitement about joining GDK, stating, “I’m thrilled to be part of GDK at such a dynamic time. My experience with McDonald’s and other fast-paced, high-growth companies aligns perfectly with GDK’s ambitious plans. I look forward to working with the team and our franchisees as we continue to build the world’s leading doner kebab brand.”
Amit Pancholi – Director of Business Development
Amit Pancholi, an experienced QSR professional with a vast background in business development, property management, and franchising, joins GDK following leadership roles at Papa John’s, Domino’s Pizza, and other major brands. His comprehensive knowledge of the UK and international franchise markets will support GDK’s continued expansion. Amit’s expertise in store acquisition, development, and recruitment of strategic franchise partners will be critical as GDK continues to grow its footprint.
Amit shares, “GDK is a brand with incredible potential, and I’m eager to contribute to its next phase of growth. With a strong foundation in place and a bold vision for the future, I look forward to driving the expansion strategy and bringing the GDK experience to more customers across the globe.”
German Doner Kebab has had a stellar year, poised to open its 150th store in the United Kingdom, marking a major milestone in its rapid expansion. This growth is a testament to the brand’s innovative approach to fast-casual dining, offering high-quality, freshly prepared doner kebabs that cater to evolving consumer preferences. In addition to the traditional menu, GDK has embraced innovation by launching plant-based menu options, appealing to a broader audience and keeping pace with dietary trends.
German Doner Kebab’s marketing approach continues to push boundaries, most recently with a highly successful campaign with Heinz. The campaign, which included a high-profile collaboration with social media stars, creatively combined GDK’s bold, modern brand identity with fresh, engaging content aimed at connecting with younger audiences.