Jimmy Garcia Catering appoints new managing director

Jimmy Garcia Catering has announced the appointment of former Kerb managing director, Alana Buckley, to lead the business as it targets further growth and B Corp certification. 

Buckley, who will take over as managing director from 6 October, succeeds Richard Groves, who will become chairman with a focus on business development and strategic partnerships. 

Her appointment is part of a broader leadership reshuffle at Jimmy Garcia Catering. The senior team now includes founder Jimmy Garcia and Bertie Woodhead, managing director of the business’s commercial arm, Jimmy’s Pop Up. 

Buckley previously held senior roles at street food collective Kerb, where she progressed from head of events to commercial director, then managing director. After returning from maternity leave, she became business development director, with a focus on strategic partnerships. 

Before joining Kerb, Buckley was head of events at Moving Venue and held roles at organisations including St Paul’s Cathedral. She has also served on the board of Unique Venues of London.

Garcia said: “We chose Alana because of her exceptional experience and strong industry connections. Richard and I have brought her into the business at an exciting and pivotal time for the company, and we’re confident that her leadership will help us continue to grow and innovate across new venues and client experiences.”

Buckley joins as the business reports strong momentum, having recently added the V&A South Kensington, the Science Museum, and Two Temple Place to its list of accredited venues. 

Further partnerships and activations are expected to be announced later this year.