Compass strengthens iconic Restaurant Associates business with internal appointment

Compass Group UK and Ireland has today announced strategic changes to its senior team, appointing Andy Harris as Managing Director of Restaurant Associates, from spring 2011.

News : Compass Group
Compass Group news team
Wednesday 02 March 2011

Andy, who has enjoyed a long-spanning 16 year career at Compass, most recently as Sales and Retention Director for the UK and Ireland, takes over the role from Nick Potter.¹ Andy has accumulated a wealth of foodservice operational experience over the past 20 years, spending much of his career in the business and industry (B&I) and fine dining sector. In his new role Andy will be responsible for growing and leading Restaurant Associates on a national scale.

Ian Sarson, Group Managing Director, Compass Group UK & Ireland, said, "With the success of the Restaurant Associates business in London and in national accounts, we see great potential for continued future growth.

"Andy has played a major role on the Compass leadership team for many years. With his significant operational experience and his success as Sales and Retention Director over the last three years, Andy is the ideal person to grow Restaurant Associates and to continue to provide the superior service for which the brand is recognised".

With Andy's appointment, Restaurant Associates will return to having a presence on the Compass Group UK & Ireland executive team, reporting directly to Ian Sarson. Andy will work closely with Jason Leek, Managing Director of Business & Industry, to ensure a continued development of RA's service standards excellence.

Restaurant Associates is an iconic and important business for Compass, working across a portfolio of prestigious clients in banking and financial services, legal and professional, advertising, media and airlines. Restaurant Associates has exclusive chef relationships with Albert Roux, Michel Roux Jr, Gary Rhodes and Jason Atherton and, through its commercial restaurants, is the only foodservice provider to hold Michelin stars.
 

-Ends-

Notes to Editors

¹ Nick is leaving Compass to accept an exciting position in the leisure and entertainment sector, a sector he has spent much of his career.

For more information:

Liz Bastone, Compass Group UK & Ireland
Tel: 01895 554426
Mob:  07500 607965
Email: liz.bastone@compass-group.co.uk

About Compass Group UK and Ireland

Compass Group UK and Ireland is part of Compass Group PLC, the world's leading foodservice company.

We specialise in providing food, vending and related services on our clients' premises and we generated annual revenues of £14.5 billion in the year to 30 September 2010. The company operates across the following core sectors of Business & Industry, Defence, Offshore & Remote Site, Healthcare, Education, Sports & Leisure and Vending with an established brand portfolio.