About - Ellis Rowan

Who are Ellis Rowan?

Martin Bates, founded Ellis Rowan (named after his daughters, one pictured with him here) back in 2015. He has over 30 years experience in building businesses, growing teams and advising owners in the hospitality and food retail sectors.

Martin Bates, founded Ellis Rowan (named after his daughters, one pictured with him
here) back in 2015. He has over 30 years experience in building businesses, growing
teams and advising owners in the hospitality and food retail sectors.

Early Career & International Experience

Martin began his career in the UK hospitality sector, where he built deep operational expertise across pubs, restaurants, bars, and hotels. In senior leadership roles, he managed large, complex portfolios and developed a hands-on, operator-led approach focused on execution, team development, and commercial discipline. This experience formed the foundation for his later international leadership roles and large-scale business transformations across Europe, Asia, and the United States.

0 +

Pubs, bars, restaurants, and hotels overseen. At any one time

$ 0 m+

in annual revenue responsibility

International experience

Across Europe, Asia, and North America

Large-scale team leadership

Across multi-site, multi-format operations

Pret A Manger: UK & International Growth

Martin joined Pret A Manger in 2004 as Head of Delivery Operations and Customer Service, where he helped strengthen operational discipline during a period of rapid growth. His focus on execution, training, and consistency supported the brand’s expansion while maintaining service standards. Within a year, his role expanded to include full operational oversight of Pret’s business outside Central London. Managing a geographically diverse portfolio, Martin balanced local market needs with centralized systems, reinforcing leadership structures and accountability across the organization. This chapter marked his transition into global, brand-led food retail and set the stage for his leadership of Pret’s U.S. business.

$150 million

in annual revenue.

Pret A Manger USA: Turnaround & Expansion

In 2007, Martin moved to the United States to lead Pret A Manger’s early U.S. business. He focused first on strengthening operations, training, and execution, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.
Under his leadership, the brand was adapted for the U.S. market through menu refinement, improved store design, and a rebuilt supply chain. Martin also developed a data-driven real estate and development strategy, transforming the business into a profitable, multi-market platform and embedding community impact through the creation of the Pret U.S. Charitable Trust.

$200 million

revenue.

Ellis Rowan LLC: Advisory & Operating Partner Work

In 2015, Martin founded Ellis Rowan LLC to support private equity, venture capital, and founder-led businesses in food retail, restaurants, and hospitality. The firm was created to provide hands-on operating expertise, helping businesses translate strategy into execution. Through Ellis Rowan, Martin works closely with owners, boards, and management teams, often acting as an operating partner or interim executive. His engagements range from single-site concepts to multi-unit brands, with a focus on building scalable systems, strong teams, and sustainable performance.

“I started Ellis Rowan to do the work I enjoy most – getting close to the business, working alongside teams, and helping great ideas become well-run, scalable operations. It was about bringing real operating experience to moments that actually matter.”

Martin Bates

Founder

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