Kevin Watson has announced his departure from Amadeus, a division of the NEC Group, following nearly 13 years with the company.
Watson shared his departure news on LinkedIn saying how he was 'filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride as I think about the incredible journey we have been on together'.
Watson, the recipient of the Foodservice Caterer of the Year award at the 2020 Cateys, expressed gratitude to his team, recognising them as the 'heart and soul' of Amadeus.
He acknowledged their 'incredible talent, creativity, and resilience,' which were instrumental in delivering remarkable events such as the London 2012 Summer Olympics and mobilising the Nightingale Hospital at the NEC during the Covid-19 pandemic.
'Your willingness to go above and beyond, your innovative ideas, and your unwavering support for one another created a positive work culture that was truly second to none. It was this culture that made our team a joy to be a part of, and I am incredibly grateful for the camaraderie and support that defined us,' he added.
'I eagerly anticipate the next phase of my career, whatever it may involve, whom ever I may be working with, and wherever it may take me,' said Watson, who oversaw a three-fold increase in turnover during his time at the contract caterer.
Before his role at Amadeus, Watson served as the Executive Director of Thames Clippers. Prior to that, he was the Managing Director at the Natural Retail Company, where he led the chain of privately-owned cafes from two sites to 27 across London in just two years.
Events by Amadeus has seen several significant new business wins over the past year. This includes securing a £2 million multi-year agreement with DP World Tour to manage all tournament catering needs for the Genesis Scottish Open golf tournament from 2023 to 2026. Additionally, they secured a one-off contract for catering services for the World Cycling event held in Glasgow. These successes highlight Amadeus's continued growth and prominence in the event catering industry.
In addition to the major wins mentioned earlier, the caterer also secured notable contracts last year. This includes a three-year agreement with IET Birmingham: Austin Court, further solidifying their presence in the events industry. Furthermore, they secured a three-year catering contract with the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry, showcasing their ability to provide exceptional catering services across a range of venues and events.
The company achieved remarkable success at the 2023 Foodservice Cateys last October, securing three prestigious awards. Among them were the Rising Star award, Trainee Chef of the Year, and the General Manager of the Year, which was awarded to Craig Hancox at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham.