London specialist contract caterer Vacherin is restructuring its senior team – and making two new appointments – to gear up for a new era of growth. In the last three years it has seen sales jump by more than one third, and aims to embed this momentum in its new team structure.
Mark Philpott becomes Chairman, while Phil Roker takes over as Managing Director, replacing his previous role as Commercial Director. Clive Hetherington remains as Executive Finance Director, and will appoint a Head of Finance, Purchasing & Administration as one of two new roles that strengthens the team. The second new role is a Director of Business Development & Communication, who will lead all sales, marketing, and internal and external communications.
The company remains 100% owned by Philpott, Hetherington and Roker, and the restructure will allow Mark and Clive to focus on the strategy and direction of the company, while Phil will take control of the day to day operations.
Mark Philpott commented: “we have spent the past three years strategically building a team that can deliver our vision of Vacherin, without the need for our day-to-day involvement, while retaining our independent ownership. This team has been instrumental in making Vacherin the success story that it is. The restructure will allow us to grow even more, while Clive and I will be keeping close to ensure that the company ethos and client relationships are retained. Phil has been with us for 10 years now, and is seen as almost as central to Vacherin as we are, so is a very natural choice to lead this new team.”
Commenting on his appointment, Phil Roker said: “I’m excited and honoured to take the helm of this wonderful company. I’m looking forward to building on the success story of the last 13 years and continuing to exceed client expectations while ensuring the company remains one of the best companies to work for in London.”
Clive Hetherington added: “I know that we couldn’t have a safer pair of hands to manage our business as we go on to establish beyond doubt that Vacherin is the ‘go-to’ contract caterer for London clients who know & care about their food & service.”
In March Vacherin reported that turnover had risen by 8.8% in 2015 – breaking the £15m barrier for the first time – and in the last three years had increased by 38%. Last year the business was awarded a rare Sustainable Restaurant Association Three Star rating; scored Top 10 in The Sunday Times ‘Best Companies to Work For’ list; and was rated Top 20 in The Alix Partners Foodservice Growth Report. Innovations included the roll-out of technology that allows diners to use smart phones to review nutrients in a meal before buying – and then use their phone to pay as well.