Highly active in promoting catering industry standards, David has been awarded the Craft Guild of Chefs Order of Merit and the Freedom of The City of London for services to the hospitality industry.

He is widely recognised as co-ordinator of many of the UK’s leading competitions and events, including The Craft Guild of Chefs UK National, Young National Chef of the Year and The Craft Guild of Chefs Awards. David has been co-chair and lead judge for FutureChef for over two decades.

Commenting on the news David said: “Having spent almost two decades working for Sodexo UK&I in a number of senior roles, I have decided to explore new opportunities moving forward.

“I have gained enormous experience in many sectors over my career and am widely recognised for my commitment to the culinary profession within food and people development as well as areas of social impact. During my time with Sodexo, I have developed highly successful teams delivering award winning world-class events, developed groundbreaking food offers and innovated to drive business growth. 

“I am looking forward to sharing my skills and passion within new projects and positively contributing to our wider sustainable goals through food innovation, health and nutrition as well as food and people related environmental initiatives. 

“As vice president for The Craft Guild of Chefs, I will continue to represent our incredible industry through my wider activities including as national chairman for Springboard's FutureChef and competition director for The UK National and Young National Chef of the Year.”