RTN.L Regulatory News (RTN)

The Restaurant Group plc

Directorate Change

Debbie Hewitt to succeed Alan Jackson as Chairman of The Restaurant Group

The Board of The Restaurant Group plc (the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Debbie Hewitt, MBE as non executive Chairman of the Company, which will be effective following the Company's AGM on 12 May 2016. She succeeds Alan Jackson who is retiring. Alan has overseen the Company for the past 15 years and has been an instrumental part of its success.

Alan informed shareholders in 2014 that he would retire in 2016. He has played a pivotal role in initially turning around the then ailing City Centre Restaurants and subsequently building the Company into a leading restaurant business. He has shown strong and insightful leadership throughout his tenure, delivering a strong succession plan for the Board.

Debbie was appointed as a non executive director of the Company in May 2015. She is an accomplished company director with extensive public company expertise in the consumer sector both as an executive and as a non executive director, including current non executive roles as Chairman of Moss Bros Group Plc and senior non-executive director of Redrow Plc and NCC Group Plc.

Alan Jackson said:

"I am delighted that Debbie has agreed to succeed me. She has strong business credentials and I know that she will add insight and guidance to the Board. The Restaurant Group has been on a tremendous journey and it has been a privilege to be a part of its growth and development. It is a fantastic company and I have a very high regard for the team. I wish everyone involved in the business every success in the future."

Debbie Hewitt said:

"The Board of The Restaurant Group wishes to extend its gratitude to Alan for his contribution to the success of the Company. The Restaurant Group has great brands and highly talented people and Alan has played an important role in bringing strategic vision, strong market insight and leadership of the Board throughout his tenure as Chairman. He has taken a proactive role in preparing the Board for his succession. I look forward to working with the management team to deliver the next phase of the Company's growth."

No further information on the appointment of Debbie Hewitt as non executive Chairman of the Company is required to be disclosed pursuant to the Listing Rules.

Resignation of Alan Jackson

In accordance with LR 9.6.11, The Restaurant Group discloses that Alan Jackson has given 6 months' notice of his resignation from his role as Chairman with effect from 28th February 2016.

The disclosure required by section 430 (2B) of the Companies Act 2006 relating to the departure of Alan Jackson from the Company is set out below.

1. Alan Jackson will step down from the Board at the close of the Company's AGM on the 12th May 2016.

2. He will be paid his salary and benefits for the balance of his 6 month notice period, in line with his contractual terms, amounting to a total of £117,000. There will be no payment for loss of office.

Notes:

1. The Restaurant Group plc operates over 500 restaurants and pub restaurants throughout the UK. Its principal trading brands are Frankie & Benny's, Chiquito, Coast to Coast, a Pub restaurant business and a Concessions business which trades principally in major UK airports.