Graysons Hospitality founder Sir Francis Mackay dies

Sir Francis Mackay, who was credited with helming Compass Group into the world’s largest contract caterer, has died at the age of 81.

The news was announced by Graysons, which Mackay founded in 2008 and was acquired by Aramark in 2023. The hospitality firm shared a statement on LinkedIn thanking Mackay for his contributions to the hospitality industry.

The tribute read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sir Francis Mackay, founder of Graysons and a true leader of the hospitality industry.

“Sir Francis established Graysons in 2008, bringing with him a lifetime of experience, integrity and vision. His founding principles continue to shape our business and are evident in everything we do today.

Born in London in 1944, Mackay graduated as an accountant in 1967 and joined Compass Services as finance director in 1986.

The following year Mackay led the acquisition of Compass from Grand Metropolitan, marking the biggest management buy-out of the time, before stewarding the group’s stock market debut in 1988.

He was appointed chief executive in 1991 before becoming chair in 1999 – a role he held until 2006.

Mackay was widely recognised as the driving force behind the modernisation of the contract catering industry. His contributions to the industry saw him win a Catey Special Award in 2001 and receive a knighthood in 2003.

A statement from Compass Group said: “Sir Francis shaped the future of contract catering and guided Compass Group’s expansion onto the international stage, building the foundations for the future success of the company.”

After stepping down from Compass in 2006 Mackay spearheaded the creation of Graysons Hospitality Associates in 2008.

The firm was acquired by Foodservice company Aramark in 2023.

Aramark chief executive and president Helen Milligan-Smith said: "It was an honour to have known Sir Francis. I had the privilege of working closely with him over the past three years, and he was an exemplary leader.

"His wisdom, integrity and commitment to people have left a profound and enduring legacy on Graysons and on all of us who had the good fortune to work alongside him. He will be deeply missed, but his influence will continue to guide and inspire our entire team."

John Nugent, chief executive of Green & Fortune said: “I knew Sir Francis from afar during his leadership and business delivery for Compass in the 1990s and the early 2000s. 

“Meeting and getting to know him when he was growing the Grayson’s business, showed a great individual who passionately cared about hospitality, the sector and its people, in a much smaller yet very energised way. 

"He leads a broad legacy that few will follow. A true gentleman.’