Waitrose appoints first ever director of food service
Waitrose has appointed Simon Burdess to the newly created role of director of food service.
As the supermarket develops its casual dining and grazing in branches, Burdess will lead the development of its food service offering.
Due to join the business in September, he is currently vice president of restaurants and bars at InterContinental Hotels Group. With 20 years’ experience in retail, his previous positions also include commercial director for Fortnum and Mason, and various commercial roles at Marks & Spencer, including category manager for in-store hospitality.
Ben Stimson, retail director at Waitrose, said: “We want our shops to be places where customers will feel excited by and inspired by food – and evolving our food service offer is vital in achieving this. Simon brings a wealth of experience which will be invaluable in ensuring our hospitality makes our shops dynamic and vibrant places to visit.”
