Hero Brands has appointed Nil Naik (pictured above) as its new Franchise Director to grow the group’s impressive collection of genre-defining brands of the future.

Nil has over 20 years’ experience in Franchise Sales and Operations, working across a variety of franchise models including some of the world’s leading food and drink brands such as Domino’s Pizza, Papa Johns, Chaiiwala and Coffee Republic.

Nil will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing the growth strategy of the Group, and will work closely with Choppaluna co-founder Nikras Agha, aiding with franchise sales acquisition strategies for the brand.

Choppaluna, the fast, fresh, food-to-go salad brand is here to show that salads don’t have to be boring with its delicious, guilt-free menu offering. Following the success of its London Bloomsbury and Berlin restaurants, the brand is forging ahead with plans to open a number of new restaurants across the UK in the coming year.

Hero Brands is focused on building an ecosystem of the brands of the future, and is putting together a leadership team assembled from world-leading organisations. Its portfolio includes German Doner Kebab, which has revolutionised the kebab in the UK, and is now forging ahead with expansion plans in the UK and globally, with 700 franchisees already signed-up to its growth strategy.

Recent growth in the group portfolio includes partnering with the Sidemen – Global YouTube collective – to launch mega food brand Sides, the influential chicken brand taking over the world and XIX Vodka, a premium drink which went viral.

Hero Brands’ estate further consists of Island Poké, the UK’s leading Poké operator; Dirty Bones, the NYC- inspired food and cocktail concept and a growing portfolio of innovative fashion, health and media brands including King Apparel, a premium streetwear brand.

Nil said: “Throughout my career in franchising, I have found that the right brands have a game-changing energy and attitude about them, which is why I am delighted to be joining Hero Brands and taking on the role of Franchise Director.

Hero Brands has an impressive and rapidly growing compilation of future-proof brands and from the outset I am also looking forward to working closely with Nikras and the team to play my part in successfully implementing Choppaluna’s growth ambitions.”

Nikras Agha, Choppaluna Founder & CEO said: “I am looking forward to working with Nil on our UK growth ambitions. We have an exciting year ahead of us and I have no doubt he will fit right in and be a driving force within the team.”

Jon Cullen, Chief Development Officer Global at Hero Brands said: “It is an honour and a privilege to welcome Nil to the Hero Brands team. He brings a wealth of international franchising experience with world leading brands and his knowledge will be invaluable as we look to build on our tremendous growth, and work to complete a number of key acquisitions in the near future.”