ESS has welcomed Kerry Chapman to its leadership team, as Business Director for its Wales & West Midlands Defence contract.
A seasoned operator known for a strategic approach to leadership, with extensive experience in optimising processes, enhancing efficiency and driving organisational success, Kerry has consistently delivered exceptional results in high-pressure, dynamic environments, managing large-scale operations for globally recognised brands.
Kerry joins ESS from Compass’ Restaurant Associates business, having overseen the strategic and operational leadership of 13 international companies, managing 22 sites across the UK and achieving over £30M in turnover. Key achievements included attaining a 100% contract retention rate and securing several new business wins, including the successful mobilisation of the UK operations for Snap Inc. which set a new benchmark for global rollouts within the organisation.
Prior to this, Kerry served as General Manager of The O2 Arena for Compass’ Levy business, with responsibility for all restaurants, bars, lounges and 96 corporate suites in this world-renowned venue. Kerry oversaw a vast home team and a turnover of more than £28M, delivering a 10% increase in turnover in the first year and a significant boost in annual profits.
During the pandemic, Kerry stepped into a critical role as Co-Director of Catering for the Nightingale Hospital, ensuring the seamless operation of the 24-hour service during the crisis, as well as the redeployment of 80% of the venue’s fixed staff and many variable colleagues to support NHS operations and COVID testing sites.
Before their tenure at The O2, Kerry developed a wealth of experience spanning more than two decades in hospitality, catering and soft FM provision.
As a proud Cornish daughter of a Royal Marines Commando and an NHS nurse, Kerry is excited to bring everything they have learned to ESS, applying their extensive experience to a sector close to their heart. Outside of work, Kerry enjoys a fulfilling life in a small Oxfordshire village with their wife, two dogs and two cats, fully embracing the tranquility and community spirit of rural life.
Kerry commented:
“I'm thrilled to be joining ESS as the Business Director for Wales and the West Midlands and I’m excited to be able to contribute to our mission and collaborate with a team dedicated to excellence, innovation and success.”
Bob Gray, Managing Director - ESS Defence, Marine & Aerospace, added:
“We’re excited to welcome Kerry to the ESS team following successful senior leadership roles in Compass’ Restaurant Associates and Levy businesses. Kerry’s breadth of experience working with key Compass clients, managing extremely high-profile contracts and across the wider industry will build on the capability of the ESS senior leadership team to further enhance the services we provide to our clients and customers.”
