Hi-Life appoints managing director

The Hi-Life Dining Club has appointed Paul Hodgson as its new managing director to help take the club to a truly nationwide membership in 2009.

Hodgson brings with him 24 years experience of strategic business development. He has held prominent positions with the Trinity Mirror Group, The Economist, German media giant Bertelsmann, Dutch publishing group VNU, Associated Newspapers and the Northern & Shell Network.

Commenting on his appointment, Hodgson said: "I'm delighted to have been appointed at such an exciting and critical time for Hi-Life, as it's poised for a period of expansion. I'm a keen diner myself but the hospitality industry is new to me and I look forward to bringing fresh commercial and strategic insight to the organisation.

"I will be bringing my experience of subscription marketing, recruitment and retention and strategic commercial development to the new role. My plans for the next 12 months include working closely with the excellent team already on board at Hi-Life, developing the flourishing and successful business model, and helping take it to a truly national footing."

Hi-Life has grown to unite more than 3,000 restaurants across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. It offers 100,000 plus membership two meals for the price of one at over 3,000 partner restaurants.

The membership continues to grow at a rate of 10% per annum and early indications are that new subscriptions are already up on last year in the first quarter of 2009.