The chief executive of Burger King has described English women as ugly and the food in the UK as "terrible".

Bernardo Hees, the global chief of the fast-food chain, made the comments while addressing students in Chicago. The 40-year-old, recalling his time studying at the University of Warwick, said: "The food is terrible and the women are not very attractive." He added that his time in Britain had offered few distractions beyond work.

The Brazilian-born former railway executive joined Burger King's 11,500-strong global restaurant chain in September, after the company was bought for $4bn by a Brazilian private equity firm, 3G Capital.

Last night, Burger King said its chief executive regretted his remarks: "Mr Hees apologises if his comment has offended anyone. It was intended as a humorous anecdote to connect with his audience."