Mainboard-listed BreadTalk has appointed a new chief executive.

Managing director Henry Chu will take over the role on July 1, succeeding Mr Oh Eng Lock, who is stepping down in line with the group's leadership renewal process.

Mr Chu, 47, has had a varied career in the food and beverage (F&B) sector.

He headed BreadTalk's bakery division between 2010 and 2012 before serving four years as general manager at Maxim's Caterers in Hong Kong.

Mr Chu was also director of operations with Delifrance Singapore, operations director with Starbucks Thailand, Starbucks China, and general manager of retail sales and operations with Shell Eastern Petroleum.

He returned to BreadTalk last year as managing director, overseeing the global F&B operations, comprising the core businesses of bakery, food atriums and restaurants, including Toast Box, Food Republic, Carl's Jr in China and RamenPlay.

BreadTalk chairman George Quek said in a statement yesterday: "I am pleased to welcome Henry back on board.

"He is a proven leader who has demonstrated exemplary management capabilities and a track record of accomplishments throughout his career."

Rupali Karekar