David Riley retires from Hobart UK

After 31 years at Hobart UK and a decade as managing director, David Riley has announced his retirement from the catering equipment manufacturer and supplier, this summer.

Joining the company in 1991 as national account executive, the former catering equipment distributor for Gardner Wilkinson, sparked the manufacturer’s drive to rebuild dealer relations in 2003, starting with the establishment of Hobart Independent, the company’s exclusive dealer focused business.

Today, over 70% of Hobart’s current sales are through the dealer sales channel, an accolade Riley is proud to highlight.

In 2015, Riley’s managerial obligations grew, when he became responsible for Hobart’s Scandinavian and Benelux business units, then, at the beginning of 2019 he oversaw the successful re-unification of Hobart’s Cooking and Warewash divisions, helping the company leverage valuable new commercial opportunities.

During the worst of the pandemic, he was also critical as part of Hobart’s Business Support Unit, which saw the company prioritising the needs of vital areas of the NHS, education, food supply chain and emergency services.

He comments: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my career at Hobart and have been extremely lucky to have experienced the many and varied opportunities that have come my way. My over-riding memory will be the people and customers I have worked with.

"A good manager needs a great team around him, and I benefited from this over the years; may I thank each one of them for their support and commitment and for the many wonderful memories.”