Elior's Lexington Catering has today announced that CEO Mike Sunley has decided to step down from his role at the end of 2019 following 17 transformative years leading the Lexington team.
Julia Edmonds, Managing Director of Lexington, will take over the leadership of Lexington and the Elior City business, with Sunley supporting the transition process until the 31 December 2019.
Since launching Lexington in 2002, Sunley has overseen rapid growth and helped Lexington become one of the most innovative, trustworthy and people-focused contract caterers in London, diversifying the business to ensure it remains competitive and profitable.
Edmonds joined Lexington’s Executive Team in 2007 when she was appointed as Sales & Marketing Director and she became Managing Director in 2011. She has played a central role in embedding core values, driving growth and influencing business strategy, making her Mike’s natural successor.
Edmonds will continue to work closely with the existing senior leadership team who will remain in place, with the additional support of Sean Ritson, Operations Director, and Ben McEwen, Sales Director, who have recently been recruited to strengthen the team.
Sunley said, “I am so proud of what the Lexington team has achieved, from Investors in People Gold and becoming a Sunday Times Best Company to being the first contract caterer to introduce an apprenticeship scheme and the launch of our incredibly successful Lexington Reception Services business.
“It has been an absolute pleasure and a lot of fun leading Lexington over the last 17 years, working alongside some of the very best in the industry and with some truly amazing clients. Whilst I am incredibly sad to be stepping down it is absolutely the right time for Julia to take the reins and I look forward to working with her during the transition and seeing how the business evolves.”
Catherine Roe, CEO of Elior UK, said, “I’d like to thank Mike for his contribution to the business – we have formed a close relationship and have welcomed his smart vision and unique ability to continually develop the Lexington brand.
'This, together with his brilliant way with people, has enabled us to successfully blend the operational and people elements of the total business to create a much stronger organisation.
“Mike has built a strong team who are well placed to ensure we continue to provide the very best food and service to clients and customers. For the last 12 years Julia has played a key role in driving Lexington’s success and I am confident that under her leadership, Lexington will prosper long into the future.”
Edmonds commented “Over the years I have worked at Lexington, I have seen the many ways in which our team improve people’s working days and have a positive impact on workplace culture. It has been fantastic to work alongside Mike over the last 12 years and is a real privilege to take over from him to lead the Lexington and Elior City team.”
Mike will step down as CEO on the 31st December 2019. He will support the transition process over the next four months and will leave the company in December.
