John Cunningham announced as FEA's new chief executive

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) has appointed its new chief executive, John Cunningham, who will take over the role from departing boss Keith Warren.

Cunningham previously worked as director of professional development at the Institute of Hospitality.

He will take over the role from Warren this month. Warren will work with him part-time on an advisory basis to ensure a smooth handover.

Warren said: "John's credentials are second to none. His experience will allow FEA to continue serving the interests of its members at the standards they expect, and he will continue to drive the culture of innovation that allows us to respond to the ever-changing challenges our sector faces."

This includes the circular economy and its implications for the sector, and growing the FEA's membership and training and education programmes.

Cunningham said the challenges had attracted him to the role: "As the foodservice equipment industry continues to face important issues like the ongoing effects of Brexit, the drive towards net zero and the ongoing march of technology, FEA's work will only increase in importance.

"I am really excited about the role; I see opportunity in every corner of the foodservice equipment sector and I am looking forward to engaging with our members and finding new ways to meet their needs."

FEA chair Paul Anderson said Cunningham's appointment would ensure the organisation remained "at the forefront of developments for our industry in the UK and Europe".