In this episode, Mark McC sits down with Daryl Connell and Lizzie Ryan from Imbiba to explore their private equity firm's unique approach to investing in the hospitality sector. They talk about support strategies for brands, key trends in health and wellness, casual dining, and technology.
In this episode, Mark McC sits down with Daryl Connell and Lizzie Ryan from Imbiba to explore their private equity firm's unique approach to investing in the hospitality sector. They talk about support strategies for brands, key trends in health and wellness, casual dining, and technology.
The discussion also highlights recent investments, such as One Rebel and Farmer J, and examines the opportunities for integrating AI in restaurants, the success of UK brands internationally, and the importance of resilience in business operations. They also discuss market conditions and future industry prospects, and the evolving landscape of hospitality.
Prior to joining Imbiba, Darrel was formerly a Director at Foresight Group, a market leading UK lower mid-market private equity firm. Darrel led the firm's consumer and leisure coverage and was a Non-Executive on the board of multiple high growth consumer businesses. Darrel is currently a Non-Executive on the Board of Purple Dragon, Vagabond Wines, Pizza Pilgrims and Farmer J.
Lizzie has over 15 years’ experience working in M&A and private equity. Prior to joining Imbiba, Lizzie worked at Foresight Group as a Senior Investment Manager focusing on consumer & leisure investments, where she sat on a number of portfolio company boards as a non-executive director, and at Synova Capital and Deloitte LLP where she focused on mid-market transactions. Lizzie is currently a Non-Executive on the Board of the Dream Corporation, House of Gods and Monkey Puzzle. She is a fully qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA).
Website: https://imbiba.com/
Darrel’s LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/darrel-connell-9a7a02b
Lizzie’s LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lizzie-ryan-podbury-2891b949