German Doner Kebab (GDK) has appointed Wayne Shurvinton as its new chief executive officer, with Shurvinton set to take over from Simon Wallis on September 1, 2026, as the premium kebab brand prepares for its next phase of UK and international expansion.
Wallis is stepping down after three years as CEO and will work with Shurvinton and the GDK board to ensure an orderly transition. Wallis joined GDK in 2023 following a 13-year career with Domino’s Pizza Group, where he most recently served as chief transformation officer.
Shurvinton arrives with extensive experience across restaurant operations, franchising, development and international markets. His career includes senior leadership roles at KFC and Pizza Hut within Yum! Brands, followed by senior positions at Greene King.
At KFC UK & Ireland, Shurvinton worked closely with the franchise network before becoming acquisitions director, overseeing development strategy, capital deployment, acquisitions and estate growth. He subsequently became chief operating officer for KFC MENAPAK, with responsibility for approximately 800 restaurants across 11 countries.
He later joined Pizza Hut UK & Europe as chief customer officer, taking responsibility for operations, digital, IT, quality assurance and customer experience across approximately 1,500 restaurants in 27 countries.
Most recently, Shurvinton held senior positions at Greene King, initially as managing director of Pub Partners and later as managing director of Partnerships & Ventures. In the latter role, he was responsible for a portfolio encompassing franchise pubs, hotels and restaurant brands across approximately 1,200 business units.
GDK Chair Jim Slater said the appointment reflects the brand’s need for leadership with deep experience in franchising and large-scale operations. “Wayne brings an exceptional breadth of experience across delivering craveable food, partnerships and franchising, operations, estate development, digital and customer hospitality,” Slater said. “He has a strong track record of leading complex, multi-site businesses in both the UK and international markets.”
Slater also highlighted Shurvinton’s understanding of franchise relationships, saying that his experience in developing and scaling franchise businesses, together with his commercial and operational leadership, makes him well suited to lead GDK through its next stage of growth.
Shurvinton said his immediate focus would be on engaging directly with the franchise network and restaurant teams. “My immediate priority will be to spend time with our franchise partners, restaurant teams and colleagues across the business, listening and learning, while ensuring we continue to deliver an outstanding experience for our customers,” he said.
He added that GDK has “considerable potential for further growth in the UK and internationally” and said he looked forward to working with the board, leadership team and wider GDK network to realise that opportunity.
The leadership change comes as GDK continues to build its franchise-led international footprint. The business currently operates more than 180 restaurants across the UK, continental Europe, North America, the Middle East and South Asia, according to recent industry reporting, with the network supported by dozens of franchise partners.
GDK has previously set out longer-term ambitions to reach 900 locations worldwide. In February 2026, the company said it expected to open 25 new UK sites during the year, while continuing to develop its international network.
The brand’s international growth has also accelerated through master-franchise partnerships. In India, GDK signed a master franchise agreement with GBC India for a planned 450 restaurants over 15 years. The first Indian restaurant opened in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, in August 2026, marking another major step in the company’s international expansion strategy.
GDK’s broader growth strategy is backed by private equity investor True, which acquired a majority stake in the business in 2025. The investment was intended to support continued expansion in the UK and internationally.
Slater credited Wallis with strengthening GDK’s position during his tenure, including expanding the restaurant estate in the UK and internationally, improving operational capabilities and overseeing the sale of a majority stake to True. “We are grateful for his leadership, commitment and contribution to the business, and we wish him every success for the future,” Slater said.
GDK said its priorities under the new leadership remain centred on culinary standards, franchisee profitability, customer experience and sustainable long-term growth across the system.
