Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Waitrose has appointed Simon Burdess as its first director of food service.
Simon will join the supermarket chain in September. He is currently vice president, restaurants and bars, with InterContinental Hotels Group.
He also has 20 years’ experience in the retail industry, having previously held the post of commercial director for Fortnum & Mason in London, and various commercial roles at Marks & Spencer, including category manager for in-store hospitality.
Waitrose said: “As we develop our casual dining and grazing in branches, this newly created role will see Simon lead on the development of our food service offer.”
Retail director Ben Stimson added: “We want our shops to be places where customers will feel excited by and inspired by food – and evolving our food service offer is vital in achieving this.
“Simon brings a wealth of experience, which will be invaluable in ensuring our hospitality makes our shops dynamic and vibrant places to visit.’
Waitrose has 354 shops in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands, including 64 convenience branches, and another 27 shops at Welcome Break locations.
