Compass Group UK & Ireland, one of the the UK’s largest food and support services company, has bolstered its executive team with three key appointments.
Ian Cranna joins the UK executive team as chief marketing officer. Cranna joins the business, which employs 50,000 people and and operates in more than 6,000 locations across the UK & Ireland, from Starbucks. He brings more than 25 years’ experience working for major retail and food and beverage brands.
“As Compass sharpens its focus on how it can utilise its scale and breadth to enhance the health and wellbeing of the millions of customers it serves every day, Ian’s knowledge and understanding of the changing consumer landscape, combined with his personal passion for making a difference through sustainable food and nutrition will be invaluable,” said the company in a statement.
Fuelling inquisitive minds
Meanwhile, Charlie Brown has been appointed managing director of Chartwells, the company’s education business, following the departure of Richard Taylor at the end of January. Most recently Compass UK’s transformation director, Brown has held senior operational roles across a number of Compass sectors including Chartwells and was managing director for its Government Services and 14Forty businesses.
Prior to joining Compass, Brown was at Whitbread for 10 years and his “extensive experience means he is perfectly placed to build on the success of Chartwells,” said Compass.
“As a father of young children, Charlie is passionate about serving nutritious food and ensuring school children are educated about the benefits of food and how it can fuel inquisitive minds,” said the company.
Future business strategy
Also joining the UK & Ireland executive team as finance director is Sarah Sergeant. Sergeant takes over from Kate Dunham, interim finance director and has been in the Compass family for over 12 years, most recently as financial controller for Compass Group Plc. Prior to this Sergeant worked as the company’s chief financial officer for Asia Pacific. Sergeant has “a strong finance background”, says the company, having spent the first nine years of her career at PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
“Compass’ key strength is its brilliant people and I’m delighted to welcome Ian to the Compass family and congratulate Charlie and Sarah on their appointments,” says Robin Mills, managing director of Compass Group UK & Ireland.
“We have an exciting year ahead of us and these new appointments will be integral as we drive Compass forward on its growth journey and shape our future business strategy.”
Pictured: Charlie Brown, Sarah Sergeant and Ian Cranna
