Adam Thomason appointed culinary director of Restaurant Associates

Compass Group UK & Ireland has appointed Adam Thomason as culinary director of Restaurant Associates.

Thomason previously worked across Restaurant Associates and the wider Compass Group for a number of years, before leaving in 2021.

His CV includes roles as executive chef at Genuine Dining Company and culinary director at Absolute Taste.

Matt Thomas, managing director of Restaurant Associates, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Adam back to our business. He is an exceptionally talented individual. He is incredibly creative and really understands what clients and customers want and he has flair and a strong sense of purpose that will enable us to continually innovate and deliver great dishes and experiences to our customers too.

“We have kept in touch with Adam over the years and I can’t think of a better person to drive forward our food and people first strategy.”

Thomason said: “It’s fantastic to be back with Restaurant Associates, in support of Matt’s leadership. It’s a privilege to be heading up such a talented culinary team. I have so many ideas and plans that will see great food, as well as our people at the centre of our offer."

Thomason is a Master of Culinary Arts and was named Chef of the Year (Private Site) at the 2018 Foodservice Cateys. He is also captain of the England Culinary Team.

Restaurant Associates launched in the UK in 2001 and operates cafes and restaurants across the country in workplaces, events venues, and cultural landmarks.

It has collaborated with chefs including Jason Atherton, Michel Roux and Dipna Anand.