FEA former chief executive celebrated at House of Lords lunch

Leading figures in the foodservice equipment industry came together for a lunch at the House of Lords to honour and celebrate Keith Warren’s length of service to the industry.

Warren (pictured above) spent 21 years as chief executive of the Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA - CESA before it), before retiring from the role in April 2023.

Over 70 guests, including FEA chairs past and present, gathered on 27 September to commemorate his industry contribution, achievements for FEA and retirement.

Warren’s successor, John Cunningham, said: “He truly is an absolute legend of the industry.

“His impact has been huge and his dedication unconditional. For me personally it’s been a privilege to work with him and I know every person involved in foodservice equipment, and many of those in the hospitality industry as a whole, will wish him the very best for the future.”

FEA’s patron The Rt Hon the Lord Trefgarne, who hosted the lunch in the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace, also spoke of Warren’s commitment the organisation and wider foodservice equipment industry.

Former FEA chair Steve Hobbs spoke of Warren’s various roles prior to his time at the FEA, ranging from his role as a cartographer for the Ministry of Defence, to selling advertising for the trade magazine Rubber and Plastics News.

Warren will continue to work part time on special projects for FEA until March 2024.