New boss at Compass Group's Restaurant Associates

Compass Group has appointed James Boyle as managing director (MD) of Restaurant Associates (RA) after moving current boss Andy Harris to a group role.

Boyle has been promoted from his previous position as business excellence director for the executive dining division of the catering giant, where he was responsible for marketing and innovation, as well as a portfolio of client contracts.

Reporting into Dennis Hogan, MD of the company's UK and Ireland business, Boyle has more than 20 years' experience in the foodservice and hospitality sector. He joined RA in 2006 as operations manager after holding a variety of posts at Sodexo.

Meanwhile Andy Harris, who has been at the helm of RA for the last three years, was credited for rejuvenating the brand through successfully winning and retaining contracts with high profile clients, and putting food and service at the heart of the business.

He also oversaw the launch of RA's new reception services brand Rapport, which picked up a Foodservice Catey last year for its team at KPMG, and high end event catering business Radish.

Harris has moved to a role within the group market development team within Compass Group PLC to work on a number of business & industry projects.

Hogan commented: "I am delighted that James is joining the UK & Ireland Executive team as Managing Director of Restaurant Associates. He has extensive operational experience in the executive dining sector and understands exactly what our clients are looking for. James will bring fantastic enthusiasm and energy to the role and I look forward to him leading the Restaurant Associates' business in its next phase of development.

"I would also like to thank Andy for his hard work, commitment and passion in developing the Restaurant Associates business and wish him all the best in his new role."