DRC Elevates Hong Kong Leadership Team for Warsaw Expansion
Three Key Promotions Announced
Chris Bandel becomes Global Director of Operations, Natallia Simkina Global Chief Financial Officer, and Normi Manansala Global General Manager ahead of Warsaw launches.Strategic Appointments for Warsaw Expansion
Leadership team positioned to oversee Ask for Alonzo opening in September and The Slavic Social launch in Q4 2025.Chris Bandel Brings International Experience
His hospitality journey from Poland through London to Hong Kong provides ideal background for cross-market operations management.Natallia Simkina Adds Financial Expertise
Her background in financial services and wealth management ensures proper financial foundation for international growth initiatives.Normi Manansala Recognised for Operational Excellence
Having led every restaurant opening since 2019, her promotion acknowledges crucial role in maintaining authentic hospitality standards globally.
Deadly Rabbits Concepts strengthens its leadership structure ahead of its ambitious Warsaw expansion, promoting three key team members to global roles that will oversee operations across Hong Kong and Poland. Under Bart Szyniec's leadership, the company has not only weathered the global hospitality crisis but prospered, building a foundation that now supports international growth with Ask for Alonzo Warsaw opening in September and The Slavic Social launching in Q4 2025.
The promotions reflect the group's commitment to developing talent from within, recognising the expertise and dedication that has driven success across seven Hong Kong restaurants. Each new role addresses specific requirements for managing operations across two countries whilst preserving the neighbourhood warmth that defines the Deadly Rabbits approach.
Chris Bandel: Global Director of Operations
Chris Bandel's promotion to Global Director of Operations brings his extensive international hospitality experience to bear on the group's expansion. His journey began in Poland before culinary training in London, where he became Head Chef at 24. After relocating to Hong Kong in 2008, Chris played key roles in major hospitality expansions and venue openings across multiple markets.
His progression through culinary leadership to venue management, including pre-opening experience and brewery operations, positions him perfectly to oversee daily operations across both Hong Kong and Warsaw. Chris brings a deep understanding of how authentic hospitality translates across different markets whilst maintaining operational excellence.
Natallia Simkina: Global Chief Financial Officer
Natallia Simkina's appointment as Global CFO brings extensive financial expertise in portfolio management, wealth advisory, and investment strategy development to Deadly Rabbits Concepts. Her background in quantitative and qualitative financial modelling, combined with experience in developing investment strategies and managing complex financial portfolios, positions her perfectly for overseeing the Warsaw expansion funding and establishing robust financial frameworks.
Her analytical approach to linking market information with strategic planning, alongside her proven ability to adapt quickly to challenges whilst maintaining high standards of discipline and integrity, ensures the Warsaw ventures receive proper financial foundation and oversight throughout their development phases.
Normi Manansala: Global General Manager
Normi Manansala's elevation to Global General Manager recognises her instrumental role in every Deadly Rabbits restaurant opening since the group's founding. Having led operations, human resources, catering, and events across all seven Hong Kong venues, Normi possesses an unmatched understanding of the group's operational DNA.
Her guest-centric approach, data-driven decision-making, and ability to maximise both covers and sales whilst maintaining authentic hospitality standards make her ideally suited to guide global operations. Normi's talent for balancing excellence with warmth ensures the Warsaw expansion maintains the neighbourhood charm that defines Deadly Rabbits dining experiences.
About Deadly Rabbits Concepts
Founded in 2019, Deadly Rabbits Concepts has established itself as an innovative dining group renowned for creativity in the Hong Kong restaurant scene, offering top-notch yet wallet-friendly modern European cuisines.
The group draws its inspiration from the whimsical world of Monty Python, paired with the delightfully absurd sense of humour of Poland, the homeland of founder Bart Szyniec. His belief that the F&B industry should embody fun and light-heartedness remains expressed through the group's playful logo and unique name.
Deadly Rabbits Concepts has become known for its resilience, having navigated the city's challenges during its initial years, including the pandemic. Despite these difficulties, the group has adapted to new norms whilst thriving in Hong Kong's rapidly changing dining scene.
This creative hospitality group is the driving force behind several beloved neighbourhood dining venues, including the modern Italian restaurant Ask for Alonzo at five locations: Wan Chai, Quarry Bay, Tai Hang, Happy Valley, and Soho. In 2024, Deadly Rabbits Concepts introduced two new culinary concepts: À Poêle French Bistro in Quarry Bay and Qué Pasa Spanish Tapas Y Vino in Tai Hang.