Former Compass managing director Chris Garside joins Aramark
Chris Garside, former managing director of Compass UK and Ireland, has joined Aramark as head of sales and business development.
The newly created international role will see Garside leading growth in 18 countries including Aramark operating businesses in Northern Europe. He will report to chief operating officer Carl Mittleman.
The appointment is part of what Aramark's president of Northern Europe Frank Gleeson has described as a "renewed ambition for growth".
Speaking to The Caterer this week alongside new UK managing director Helen Milligan-Smith, Gleeson said: "More growth, faster growth. They're [new chief executive John Zillmer and Carl Mittleman] supporting our strategy in the UK and Northern Europe to grow faster, which is terrific, because that allows us to unleash the potential of our people."
Garside spent 11 years at Compass Group, joining the company in 2009 as business director of ESS, the group's defence and government services business. He was later promoted to managing director, adding the offshore and remote markets to his list of responsibilities, and joining the Compass UK & Ireland executive team.
Garside said: "Joining Aramark now creates exciting new opportunities for me in an industry I have known and loved for many years.
"Carl and his senior team are dedicated to a hospitality mentality, and that passion for service is in my blood. I am eager to get started and add value to Aramark's international team, as well as supporting the industry to recover and thrive post-pandemic."
Mittleman added that Garside would be tasked with driving new sales and major retention efforts, as well as creating a pipeline of potential acquisitions.
He said: "Chris will be an incredible addition to the Aramark international team, bringing his passion for hospitality and a strong network of relationships, a proven track record, and years of industry experience.
"As we focus on growth post-pandemic, there is no one better suited to help us open new doors and fortify the relationships we currently enjoy."
