New CEO for Zonal as it embarks on an exciting new chapter
Zonal, the UK’s leading hospitality technology provider, announces the appointment of Joel Chapman as Chief Executive Officer, effective from July 2026, ahead of its next stage of growth.
The appointment comes at a time of stability and investment for the business, which was acquired by Volaris Group, a division of Constellation Software, one of the world’s largest software firms, earlier this year. The deal brings a new permanent home and long-term backing for Zonal, heralding an exciting new era, with plans to accelerate development and further strengthen the platforms its customers depend on.
Joel has been part of Zonal since 2002 and brings more than two decades of hospitality technology experience to the role. He is a safe pair of hands for the business and for its customers, having joined the board in 2020 as Chief Customer Officer and played a central role in shaping how Zonal serves the hospitality sector.
The rest of the leadership team will remain in place, as the business continues to operate as it always has, with the same people, knowledge of the hospitality sector, values, and commitment to its customers.
Joel Chapman, CEO at Zonal, said: “I am thrilled to be appointed CEO of Zonal, a company I joined in 2002 and to which I remain deeply committed.
“As CEO, my role is to guide our future direction by listening closely to our customers and to our people, ensuring we continue to strengthen our position as the UK’s leading hospitality technology provider. With the backing of Volaris, I am looking forward to leading Zonal into this next chapter of its 45-year journey.”
Jesper Ulsted, Portfolio Leader at Volaris Group, comments: “We are delighted to appoint Joel Chapman the new CEO of Zonal. Following our acquisition of the business earlier this year, we spent time getting to know him and the team and are confident he is the person best placed to take the business forward.
“I’m especially pleased that we have been able to find such a strong candidate from within Zonal itself. It is another testament to Volaris’ dedication to developing talent and future leaders from within the businesses we acquire.
“Joel knows the business, its customers and its people inside out and he brings an experienced and steady hand to the role, as we look ahead with confidence to the future for Zonal.”
For more information, images, or to arrange an interview with Zonal, please contact Fleet Street Communications via zonal@fleetstreetagency.com
About Zonal
Zonal is the UK’s leading hospitality technology provider, trusted by the country’s largest pub, restaurant and hotel operators. With 45 years of UK hospitality expertise, a fully connected technology ecosystem and always-on, human-led support, Zonal gives complex, multi-site operators the clarity, control and confidence to run every site at its best.
