Alastair Storey to become Chief Executive as Noel Mahony takes on Reigns of Managing Director
Our growth over the last 3 and half years has been phenomenal, 20% year on year growth and over 300 new staff. Our plans for further expansion means that our rapidly growing operation requires increased support across the business, including our senior management team. Therefore on 29th November 2004, Noel Mahony will join us as Managing Director of Wilson Storey Halliday. Noel brings with him tremendous experience of the food services industry. He has worked in the contract catering market for more than a decade and since 1998 has held senior positions, most latterly, Managing Director of Baxter and Platts.
Alastair Storey will be taking a broader role and as Chief Executive he will continue to direct the company's growth, leading future initiatives that will enhance our success. Alastair's role will become less operational but he's definitely not taking a back seat from the business. He'll be maintaining his links with our customers but will be able to spend more of his time guiding our future strategy ensuring we remain focused on our great people, fresh food and excellent service principles.
Noel is very excited about joining the business and is looking forward to meeting everyone. I am sure you will welcome him into the business when you meet with him.
Career Overview of Noel Mahony -
Originating from Kilkenny City in Ireland Noel commenced his career training in Dublin hotels before moving to the UK in 1987 with Trust House Forte to join the trainee management programme. Over a five-year period, experience was gained in all aspects of hotels management through a variety of positions, resulting in his appointment as General Manager of a successful 85-bedroom hotel.
A keen interest in premium quality food service precipitated a move into the events and hospitality sector with Ring & Brymer, the leading leisure operator. Throughout the following five years Noel managed the food and beverage operations for public catering and hospitality for all UK high profile sporting and leisure events.
Seen as the leading exponent of 'cook/chill' for the successful delivery of hospitality, Noel was approached by Granada Food Services to create and establish a new operating company in this growth area, specifically targeting the previously untapped hotel and banqueting sector. As such, Noel managed the whole journey from concept through to design and build of a 25,000 square foot commercial food production facility and hence Circadia was formed. He continued to manage this successful business for a further two years.
Immediately following the Granada/Compass merger Noel was asked to direct the integration of each PLC's operating companies in Southern Ireland. The first year of this appointment was spent in creating a like-minded vision for the two previously diverse cultures whilst ensuring the overhead cost base was fit for purpose. Other significant challenges over the period included the establishment of the Eurest brand as a dominant force in the prolific Dublin marketplace and also the introduction of the euro currency.
In addition, Management Catering Services (Irelands leading independent caterer) was acquired by Compass Ireland after months of relationship building and negotiation between the two respective Managing Directors. Although initially viewed with scepticism, such a move proved to be unique in the Irish marketplace as MCS was encouraged to operate 'independently' within the PLC environment, overseen with Noel as chairman.
Returning to the UK in October 2002 Noel took up the position of Managing Director of Baxter & Platts. He has spent the last two years re-establishing and consolidating this business as one of the leading niche operators in the highly competitive London and home counties marketplace. In the last twelve months Baxter & Platts has experienced its most successful year of contract sales, retention and extensions that it has seen for the past five years.
Building upon his experiences in Ireland, Noel has also recently overseen the further successful acquisition of a small independent contract caterer: Everson Hewett, which is similarly operated with Noel as Chairman.