Grazing appoints Mark Ward to head of food

Mark Ward has been appointed head of food of contract caterer Grazing.

He will work across Grazing’s HQ and client sites, responsible for menu innovation, production, training, and scaling.

He joins the company from Blenheim Palace, where he was executive chef overseeing five kitchens and a £6m multi-outlet operation.

His 30-year career has included senior culinary roles at Emirates Leisure Retail (Dubai), Cabot Links Golf Resort (Canada), and Fairmont Singapore, as well as Harrods where he was executive chef leading a team of 140 across 26 restaurants with combined revenues of £80m.

Sam Hurst, CEO, Grazing, said: “We’re delighted to have Mark joining the business and bringing his 30+ years of experience to help us drive innovation and continue to scale. His extensive international background in high-end, high-volume catering and passion for developing culinary talent will be a huge asset to Grazing as we embark on an exciting new chapter.”

Ward added: “Grazing has always stood out for doing things a little differently, and that’s exactly why I wanted to be here. I’m delighted to join as head of food and help to shape menus as the company continued to build on its existing success.”

Back in 2024, Restaurant Associates, which is part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, acquired Grazing for an undisclosed sum.