Marian Bryden exits fast food chain Popeyes UK after shaping learning and development from ground up

Marian Bryden has left Popeyes Louisiana Chicken UK where she served as Learning and Development Manager.

In a LinkedIn post, she said: "Today (Friday, 29th August)  is my last day at Popeyes UK, and what a journey this past year has been. When I joined, I was stepping into a “not so blank” canvas, but definitely an opportunity to shape learning and development from the ground up. QSR was an area of the hospitality industry I had never worked in before, and I was naive to think that it was anything like the hospitality industry I have loved and worked in for so many years."

Highlights from her 12 months at the fast food chain, which recently secured a £43 million loan from Barclays Corporate Banking to enable it to open 45 more stores in the UK this year, include:

• Writing and launching online training courses like Preventing Sexual Harassment, Cyber Security, Handling Aggressive Behaviour, and Train the Trainer.

• Developing career pathways that give the company's teams a clear view of how they can grow.

• Launching apprenticeships for both the restaurant and HQ teams.

• Creating and planning induction plans for over 240 new managers as they stepped into their new roles.

• Building a new LMS platform.

Bryden, who did not discuss her next move, concluded: "All of this as a one man band. This chapter has taught me so much about resilience, creativity, and what can be achieved with passion and drive. I’ll always be grateful for the chance to make an impact, and I’m excited for what comes next. Here’s to new beginnings."

ETIH Innovation Awards 2026

The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.

Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.

Submissions are open to organizations across the UK, the Americas, and internationally. Entries should highlight measurable impact, whether in K–12 classrooms, higher education institutions, or lifelong learning settings.

Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.

To explore categories and submit your entry, visit  the ETIH Innovation Awards hub.