Compass announces duo of sustainability appointments

Levy UK + I, the sports and hospitality sector of Compass Group UK and Ireland, has appointed business director Kevin Watson as net zero lead, a new role created as part of the rollout of its long-term sustainability strategy.

Having been responsible for overseeing the food strategy at COP26 at the SEC in Glasgow last November, he will implement a range of initiatives to help drive forward the brand’s environmental targets, including Levy UK+I’s plan to become net zero by 2027, which will require an 80% decarbonisation of the business.

He will focus on collaborating with venues to establish credible baselines and tailored sustainable event management plans.

Levy UK+I is launching its own roadmap, a company-wide version of the sustainability plan originally developed for COP26, outlining its intent, including commitments of using at least 80% seasonal fruit and vegetables and creating plant-forward menus with carbon labelling.

Watson said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed net zero lead and am looking forward to building upon the lessons and successes of the COP26 food strategy, which focused on creating local and seasonal menus to drive low carbon offerings. The next logical step is to ensure that this is emulated across our business and the wider industry.”

Jon Davies, managing director, Levy UK + I, added: “As our net zero lead, Kevin will continue to be a key driver of meaningful change by setting and delivering on an ambitious sustainability agenda that safeguards the future of the planet and the industry. Kevin will build upon his outstanding work last year at COP26 by implementing the bottom-up changes that are required to achieve an industry-wide sustainability revolution, and I have every confidence that he will achieve excellent results through his work with our venue partners and clients across the UK.”

Meanwhile, Compass Scotland has appointed Emily Robinson senior nutritionist and sustainability lead, another new role for the business. Robinson will be responsible for the delivery of nutrition and sustainability education for employees, clients and consumers across all Compass Scotland sites, including schools, workplaces and venues.

A registered nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition, she has worked for Compass Group UK & Ireland for three years. She joined the company as regional engagement manager and nutritionist for Compass’s education subsidiary, Chartwells UK in the south of England in 2019, before becoming regional nutritionist in 2020. Prior to joining Compass, she worked as an associate nutritionist for the British Nutrition Foundation.

David Hay, managing director of Compass Scotland, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Emily back to Scotland and have her on board in this exciting new role. We are focussed on delivering our health and wellbeing and sustainability agendas, and Emily will be ensuring a companywide strategy specifically for our Scottish portfolio. This appointment demonstrates our commitment in these areas and we are looking forward to building our momentum further.”

Robinson said: “Being a brand new role for Scotland, my aim is to gain a clear vision on what our clients and customers are looking for when it comes to wellbeing and sustainability, as well an understanding of the focus and anticipated actions of the Scottish government. My ambition is to help drive positive, evidence-based change in education, menus, behaviour and wellbeing among children and adults in Scotland.”

Compass Group UK & Ireland has committed to reach Climate Net Zero by 2030.