Executive Search Lead consultant David Ziebart, partnered once again with Private Equity firm Castlerock on their search for the next CEO of the successful pizza chain, HELL. David worked alongside Board Director Jono Steele, and HELL Pizza’s founder, Callum Davies on the search.
‘David and his team have exceeded our expectations. Timelines were hit, remuneration expectations were managed well, and we were presented with a diverse set of quality candidates. The toughest decision was choosing from the short list of outstanding people they put in front of us. I wouldn't hesitate to use Tribe Leadership again.’ Jono Steele, Board Director, HELL Pizza
We are delighted to share that Josh Drake is the new CEO of HELL Pizza. Josh joined HELL after more than seven years with craft brewery Panhead. He says while HELL is an irreverent brand, its commitment to sustainability, ethics, and premium pizza is what drew him to the role.
“HELL has broken ground time and time again - from ethical and free-range ingredients to catering for all dietary requirements and leading the way on sustainability commitments - it’s always stood out to me as a Kiwi success story. I’m excited to meet the teams at each of our 77 stores and work alongside founder Callum Davies and our talented support office to grow HELL’s legendary status among existing and new customers.” Josh Drake, CEO Hell Pizza
Established in Wellington in 1996, HELL has grown to become one of New Zealand’s most infamous and well-known brands, with 78 franchises throughout New Zealand and more than 1,200 staff stoking the fires. Behind the irreverent brand and award-winning marketing campaigns, HELL focuses on high quality products at good value, offering Kiwi consumers an ethical gourmet food option and specialising in catering carefully for all dietary requirements.
Having worked recently with the team at Castlerock on previous appointments, Tribe Leadership Executive Search were delighted to partner with Jono and Andrew Paterson, Investment Director and Callum, HELL Founder on the search for their next CEO search for HELL Pizza.
“After an extensive market mapping exercise of qualified business leaders from related industries, it was very pleasing to identify and support Joshua throughout the process of joining HELL. Josh’s previous experience as General Manager of Panhead, scaling another iconic NZ challenger brand, is a terrific cultural fit with HELL, and we have no doubt he will be a great success in the role.” David Ziebart, Tribe Leadership Executive Search
Callum Davies, Founder of HELL Pizza says they’re stoked to have Josh on board.
“Josh is a perfect fit for HELL, and we’re excited to see where he takes the brand. His experience at Panhead puts him in a prime position to grow the business and our impact.”
Looking to find the next member of your executive leadership team? Reach out to David Ziebart for a confidential chat. davidz@tribegroup.com
