A leading food technology firm has announced a significant leadership change. The company, known for its innovative restaurant booking platform, has appointed Sanj Naha as the new CEO, effective from mid-February.
Naha brings a wealth of experience in restaurant and hospitality technology, having previously held senior roles at notable companies such as TripAdvisor and Bookatable. This change marks a new chapter for the firm as it aims to strengthen its position in the industry.
Leadership Transition
Effective mid-February, Sanj Naha will take the helm as CEO of the food tech firm. Naha, who has an extensive background in restaurant and hospitality technology, is poised to lead the company into its next phase of growth.
Naha’s predecessor, Joost Boer, will remain with the firm in a new capacity as chief product officer. Although Boer will no longer serve as a director, his continued involvement underscores his dedication to the firm’s success.
Naha’s Experience and Vision
Sanj Naha’s impressive résumé includes senior positions at industry giants such as TripAdvisor and Bookatable. His experience extends to consulting for large restaurant groups and serving on the board of four technology start-ups that were successfully acquired.
Naha stated, “BigDish is a fantastic opportunity and all the indications lead me to believe it has the potential to become a dominant player in UK restaurant technology.” His vision for the firm includes leveraging advanced technology to streamline operations and enhance user experience.
Global Operations and Expansion Plans
The food tech firm is listed on the London stock exchange and headquartered in Jersey. It already operates in multiple international markets, including Jakarta, Manila, and Hong Kong.
Recently, the firm launched its platform in Bournemouth, following a successful beta testing phase in the UK. Over 50 restaurants in the town have transitioned to the new platform from an existing service acquired by the company in August. Further launches are planned in Bristol and Bath.
Platform Capabilities
The firm’s platform offers users significant discounts of up to 50% on meals from Sunday to Thursday, available at least twice daily. Reservations can be made via iOS and Android apps or the company’s website.
Restaurants benefit from a merchant app and website, which allow them to manage bookings efficiently. The platform also analyses anonymous user data, enabling restaurants to adjust discounts and availability in real-time based on demand and customer behaviour.
Strategic Goals and Market Potential
Naha believes the UK market is ripe for the firm’s advanced technology platform. He commented, “I believe the UK is the right place to be at this time. Given how advanced the technology platform is, we do not expect to need a large staff base in the UK.”
During his tenure at TripAdvisor, Naha successfully expanded the restaurant base from 11,000 to 36,000 in just two years. He plans to apply similar strategies to achieve rapid growth and market penetration for the firm.
Acknowledging Predecessor’s Contributions
Naha expressed gratitude for his predecessor’s contributions, stating, “We wish to thank Joost Boer for his contribution to the firm both as founder and in building a world-class technology platform.”
Boer’s shift to the role of chief product officer will allow him to focus on further developing the company’s innovative solutions. His ongoing presence is expected to provide continuity and stability during the leadership transition.
Future Outlook
The firm’s management team is optimistic about achieving profitability in its initial two territories by the second half of 2019. Naha’s strategic approach and industry expertise are expected to drive the firm’s growth and success in the competitive market.
The appointment of Sanj Naha as CEO marks a pivotal moment for the food tech firm. With his extensive experience and visionary approach, Naha is well-positioned to lead the company towards achieving its strategic goals.
The firm’s continued expansion and advanced technology platform are set to enhance its market presence and deliver significant value to both diners and restaurant partners. This leadership change is viewed as a positive step towards realising the firm’s long-term potential.
