James Lester appointed managing director of Eurest, Dine and 14forty

James Lester has taken up the role of managing director of contract caterers Eurest, Dine and 14forty.

He was most recently the global alliance director at CBRE, having spent the prior seven and a half years at ISS. Prior to this he was an account director at Compass Group’s Restaurant Associates.

He has taken on the role following the retirement of chief executive of business and industry Morag Freathy in January.

Matt Thomas, CEO of Restaurant Associates Group, will also broaden his role to take on responsibility for Eurest, Dine and 14forty on the UK and Ireland executive team and support Lester in his appointment.

Robin Mills, CEO, Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “I am delighted to welcome James back to the business. It’s a great time to join, with Eurest, Dine and 14forty all performing strongly in the market. There are many opportunities for further growth, as more companies look to move to outsourcing or update their workplace offer. It’s going to be great having James’ insight and expertise to further support our clients and teams.”

Lester added: “This is an exciting time to be taking on this new role for these three well-respected and established brands. I’m looking forward to working with the team to really focus on our offers and capabilities, to ensure we are delivering what our clients and customers want every day.

“These well-respected and established brands are at the forefront of food services and facilities management, with true differentiators that align to customer markets. I am thrilled to return to Compass Group, bringing my expertise in food and workplace services having spent the past 10 years overseeing a broad range of customers and industries. I am excited to be working with the team to really focus on our proposition to drive growth and deliver for our clients and customers every day.”