People

The People section on Catering Today highlights the leaders, teams, and professionals shaping the UK hospitality and catering industry. It features executive appointments, career moves, leadership insights, and profiles of influential figures across restaurants, pubs, and catering businesses. With coverage of workforce trends, recruitment, and management strategies, Catering Today provides hospitality professionals with updates and inspiration from the individuals driving innovation, growth, and excellence across the sector.

Aug- 2024 -

6 August

Papa John’s names Todd Penegor as new president and CEO

Papa John’s has announced the appointment of Todd Penegor as its new president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Penegor succeeds interim CEO Ravi Thanawala in the role. Having held the role since March of this year, Thanawala will continue at the group in his chief financial officer role. Having…
Read More »
5 August

Knoops appoints two non-exec directors

Knoops has announced the appointment of Julian Metcalfe and Alice Avis as non-executive directors, both also being investors in the business. Metcalfe is a “renowned” entrepreneur and co-founder of Pret a Manger and founder of Itsu. Avis was previously CEO and chair of the Sanctuary Spa Group, an international beauty…
Read More »
Jul- 2024 -

11 July

Chef Patrick Powell departs from both his London hotel restaurants

Chef Patrick Powell has recently announced his departure from The Midland Grand Dining Room and Allegra restaurant. Following a seven year partnership with developer and hotelier Harry Handelsman, owner of St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel and The Stratford, the duo are parting ways in order for Powell to focus on opportunities…
Read More »
4 July

Sale e Pepe appoints new head sommelier

Italian restaurant Sale e Pepe in Knightsbridge has announced the appointment of Luca Visconti as its head sommelier. With a “distinguished” career in the hospitality industry, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the wine list at Sale e Pepe, having worked as a sommelier for over a…
Read More »
1 July

Market Taverns appoints new director

Market Taverns has recently appointed consumer analyst Nigel Parson as director as the London pub company continues to strengthen its board. Parson, who brings a wealth of expertise with his combination of business and City experience, specialises in equity research in the consumer sector. He commenced his career with Grand…
Read More »
Jun- 2024 -

27 June

Comptoir Group reshuffles board amid non-exec chair resignation

Comptoir Group has announced some changes to its board of directors, following non-executive chair Beatrice Lafon’s resignation yesterday (26 June) to “pursue other business interests”. As a result, current non-executive director Jean-Michel Orieux, who held that role since August 2022, will succeed Lafon as chair of the board with immediate…
Read More »
25 June

Stonegate appoints new non-exec director

Stonegate Pub Company has appointed Mark Davies as a new non-executive director. Davies is the CEO of Primary Health Properties, the FTSE 250 UK real estate investment trust, and a non-executive director of Palace Capital, a regional focused REIT. He was previously a co-founder and CEO of NewRiver REIT and…
Read More »
13 June

Cornish Bakery names first managing director

Independent chain Cornish Bakery has announced the appointment of hospitality specialist Mat Finch as its first ever managing director. In his new role, Finch will work alongside founder Steve Grocutt to drive the company’s stated objectives of “building a unique team culture, winning beautifully and supercharging swift growth”. Finch has…
Read More »
11 June

Farzi London appoints Nikhil Mahale as head chef

Haymarket’s Farzi London has announced the appointment of Nikhil Mahale as its new head chef. With over 23 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Mahale’s career has spanned continents, learning the diverse multi-cultural flavours whilst developing his “modern edge and technical efficiency”. Mahale began his professional career at Azok in…
Read More »
10 June

L’Ortolan head chef James Greatorex joins Grove of Narberth

Pembrokeshire country house hotel Grove of Narberth has announced the appointment of James Greatorex as its new head chef. Greatorex joins executive chef Douglas Balish’s team to take on the key head chef position, and supports Balish in the delivery of the food operation across the hotel. Greatorex’s appointment follows…
Read More »