British man who brought PizzaExpress, Wendy’s to India bids emotional farewell: 'What is 12 years?'

The post drew widespread appreciation from industry peers and acquaintances alike.

Jasper Reid, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of International Market Management (IMM), announced his return to the United Kingdom after more than a decade of living and working in India. In a heartfelt LinkedIn post accompanied by a photograph of his family, Reid reflected on his twelve-year journey, describing the country as a place that had taught him “patience, resilience, hard work and hospitality.”

“What is twelve years?” Reid wrote. “More than the three years we planned and just about enough to know how India works.”

Reid, whose family has longstanding ties to India spanning four generations, played a key role in shaping the nation’s contemporary food and hospitality sector. He recounted their achievements, stating, “We brought PizzaExpress to India then built Wendy’s and Jamie’s from scratch across 15 cities and 75 sites. We employed several thousand who supported many thousands more.”

His company’s impact was not limited to commercial endeavours. Reid and his team were involved in large-scale humanitarian work during the COVID-19 pandemic. “During lockdown we fed and helped a million people and bused thousands of migrant workers home,” he wrote.

Commenting on the complexity and duality of doing business in India, Reid observed, “India is essentially two countries—one that mirrors mature markets and another that is still developing.” He added, “India was always like this, may always will be. But if GDP were measured in soul, India wins.”

Addressing Indian business leaders directly, Reid offered a parting piece of advice: “Set your people free. It’s the best thing you will ever do.”

Although the move marks the end of their residence in India, Reid was clear that it does not signify a complete departure. With his daughters having graduated from school in New Delhi and preparing to begin university in the UK, he noted that the transition was a natural next step for the family.

“Our motherland is India,” he wrote. “Now we have two parental homes and are not really leaving India but moving to the other side of a great, glorious, magic circle.”

The post drew widespread appreciation from industry peers and acquaintances alike. One user commented, “Wow what a feat! I've been working the India market for 20 years but always travelling back and forth. So hats off to you and your family!!” Another added simply, “Lovely note. Great insights.”