“Employed over 110,000 people

Don Davenport's Inspirational Journey

Career Path: Chef > Training Management Course > Area Manager > Regional Director > Group Managing Director > Chief Executive

“I started as a chef"

My Story: I began my career in the sector working as a chef, before undertaking a two year Executive Training Management course. I transferred as an area manager, and then regional director, before progressing to group managing director.
I then became chief executive of Granada Services for the Business Division and then group managing director for Granada Hospitality. Following this I was appointed to Chief Executive of Granada Restaurants and Services where I was responsible for Granada Food Services, Little Chef and Travelodge and Granada Road Services with a turnover of £2.9bn.
Before my retirement I held the position of Chief Executive at Compass Group UK and Ireland. We employed over 110,000 people. My current role is Non-Executive Director of Harrison Catering and Chairman of People 1st.

 Funny Story: Second day starting work I was asked by one of the chefs to fillet 1LB of fresh anchovy ---one of there many jokes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Job:
Former Chief Executive - Compass Group UK and Ireland

Advice:
“Hospitality is one of the UK’s best industries at offering great training, growth and opportunity to young people both now and in the future"

Countries Worked:
UK
Ireland

The Fun Stuff:

“I like Cricket - England and Surrey and Football has to be West Ham Utd"

For a full biography of Don Davenport click here

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