Levy appoints new director of decarbonisation

Levy UK and Ireland, the sports and hospitality sector of Compass Group, has announced the appointment of Dr Vincent Walsh as director of decarbonisation.

Walsh, an ecosystems expert, and leader in supply chain innovation and large-scale decarbonisation programmes, has been working with Levy since 2022 as a key advisor on its sustainability strategy.

The newly created role of director of decarbonisation will see Walsh further cement his relationship with Levy, as he finds the “best” nature-based investment projects in the UK and beyond, fostering new external partnerships which support and align with the company’s ongoing decarbonisation journey.

Potential investment projects are expected to span carbon sequestration, agroforestry and aquatic ecosystem projects, aligning with recommendations on nature-based measures in the Climate Change Committee’s Seventh Carbon Budget, released last month, which underlined planting new woodland and restoring peatlands as “integral in growing land-based carbon sequestration.”

Walsh, who holds a PHD in Biospheric Systems, is the founder of the Biohub at Ings Farm, a regenerative agricultural initiative and pioneering research and development facility, which plays a crucial role in the implementation of Levy’s long-term sustainability strategy.

Set on the edges of an ancient forest in the North Yorkshire uplands, the 92-acre mixed land site was launched in 2022 in collaboration with Levy, Yorkshire Water, Quorn Professionals and RegenFarmCo.

The Biohub, a live demonstrator farm, hosts regular hands-on workshops for Levy staff to learn about regenerative farming and its benefits. To date, 400+ Levy staff from all areas and levels of the business have attended, helping on regenerative projects to develop the site.

It also boasts seven acres of wildflower meadows, over 20 regenerative water features and a dozen bee hives, which last year produced honey for Levy clients.

Jon Davies, CEO of Levy UK&I said: “We are delighted that Dr Vincent Walsh has accepted this new pivotal role as director of decarbonisation. Levy is a better company for our association with him.

“His energy, dynamism, knowledge, and commitment to driving change in regenerative agriculture and making the planet a better place is unrivalled. We cannot wait to see the brilliant projects and partnerships he finds for Levy to work with.”

Walsh added: “I feel privileged to take on the role of director of decarbonisation at Levy, an organisation at the forefront of developing robust decarbonisation plans within the hospitality sector.

“Levy is genuinely committed to sustainable practices and is actively working towards becoming the most climate-positive large-scale caterer possible. I am excited to contribute to this vital journey and help drive Levy’s strategic vision for a greener future.”