Island Poké appoints new finance director to spearhead growth

Mark Comer comes from the UK café, bar, and restaurant operator, Loungers, where he was instrumental to the continued growth and success of the company during his five years as commercial finance director

Island Poké has appointed Mark Comer as finance director for the brand as it sets to embark on a period of huge growth. Mark comes from the UK café, bar, and restaurant operator, Loungers, where he was instrumental to the continued growth and success of the company during his five years as commercial finance director. He also has an extensive background within mergers and acquisitions in the retail and hospitality sector following his eight years of training at PwC.

Mark joins as Island Poké gets set to embark on its biggest growth ambition yet, with plans to open 100 locations across the UK in the next five years.

Island Poké is part of the Hero Brands group, which also includes German Doner Kebab, Choppaluna, Sides and XIX Vodka within its growing portfolio. The brand uses sustainable and high-quality ingredients that deliver on both flavour and the feel-good factor.

Mark said: “I am excited to be joining Island Poké at such a key phase in its growth strategy. It is an incredible brand responding to the millennial consumer and I am looking forward to using my experience and insight to grow their reach across the UK and beyond.”

Island Poké founder, James Gould-Porter, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark to the team. I admire the work he has done with Loungers and his expertise will be a key asset as we forge ahead with our mission to grow our ohana across London and beyond.”

Following the success of its restaurants in London and France, Island Poké is set to forge ahead with further growth plans in 2022, including plans for four new restaurants in Edinburgh over the next two years and a new partnership with dark-kitchen operators, REEF.

The brand currently has 18 Islands in London and nine in France. Island Poké is also part of White Rabbit Projects group, a hospitality development platform that partners with early-stage restaurants and entrepreneurs to support and accelerate growth. Others in its portfolio include Lina Stores and Kricket.