The Rocket Restaurants Group has appointed Adrian Crean as managing director.

The group includes the Eddie Rocket's City Diner chain, Rockets, The Counter Custom Burgers and Flash Harry's Bar & Restaurant.

He succeeds the company's founder, Niall Fortune, who is now chairman of the group.

A veteran of the food industry, Mr Crean spent 20 years with McDonald's Ireland  - where he held the position of managing director.

Most recently, he held the position of chief brand and strategy officer with Applegreen.

During his time at McDonald's, Mr Crean oversaw significant investment in modernising and upgrading restaurants, and the opening of multiple new outlets.

While at Applegreen, he was involved in leading the development of the petrol forecourt retailer food and 'house of brands' strategies across all markets and developing its overall brand positioning.

Mr Crean is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, holds a postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accountancy from the Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business, along with a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce.

He is also a member of the Institute of Directors in Ireland.

He has also previously worked with PWC in both Dublin and Melbourne.

On his new role, Mr Crean said: "I am really looking forward to the opportunity of building the Rocket Restaurants Group brands and business both domestically and internationally as well as working with our teams and franchise partners both at home and abroad."

Group chairman Niall Fortune added: "I am delighted to welcome Adrian to our team.

"He obviously brings a wealth of consumer and industry knowledge to this new role and, he has an exceptional track record in our sector, including supporting and improving the position of franchisees.

"His appointment reflects my ambition to grow our position in the domestic fast casual market to the benefit of all our franchisees and, to continue our expansion into Europe."

The Rocket Restaurants Group has 51 outlets, with its first opening back in 1989.

It saw turnover in 2018 of €54m and employs some 1,000 workers.