Smart Group appoints two new managing directors
Foodservice company Smart Group has appointed Richard Groves and Andrew Hodgkins as managing directors for its Smart Hospitality and Smart Experiences brands respectively.
Groves brings years of commercial and operations experience. In 1987 he started his own catering business Create, which was merged with Ultimate Experience to found the Concerto Group in 2000. He announced his decision to step down from his role as operations director of the company last month.
Groves will seek to expand Smart Hospitality's presence in the fixed venue sector, and cement its reputation in the sporting event arena, including events such as Royal Ascot.
Hodgkins will head up Smart Experiences, which provides corporate hospitality at high-profile sporting events. He was previously managing director of Keith Prowse, and brings more than 20 years' experience to the corporate hospitality industry, having worked on international events such as the Rugby World Cup, FA Cup Finals and test matches.
Chief executive of Smart Group, Greg Lawson, commented that the new appointments marked the start of a new period of business for the group.
He said: "We are delighted that Richard and Andrew are joining the Smart Group team. The impact these two luminaries in their industries will have on Smart is a truly exciting prospect."
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