Kevin Watson leaves Amadeus after 13 years as MD

Kevin Watson has announced his departure from Amadeus, part of the NEC Group, after nearly 13 years.

Watson posted his news on Linked In, 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, who was the Foodservice Caterer of the year at the 2020 Cateys, thanked his team for being the “heart and soul” of Amadeus.

He recognised their “incredible talent, creativity, and resilience” which delivered events including 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,” said Watson, who oversaw a three-fold increase in turnover during his time at the contract caterer.

"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.

“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."

Prior to his role at Amadeus, Watson was executive director of Thames Clippers, and before that MD at the Natural Retail Company where he took the chain of privately-owned cafes from two sites to 27 across London in just two years.

Events by Amadeus has enjoyed a number of new business wins over the last year, including £2m multi-year agreement with DP World Tour to deliver all the tournament catering requirements for the Genesis Scottish Open golf tournament from 2023 to 2026 and a one-off contract for the World Cycling event in Glasgow.

The caterer also secured a three-year contract with IET Birmingham: Austin Court and a three-year catering contract with Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry last year.

The company also walked away from the 2023 Foodservice Cateys last October with three gongs, including Rising Star, Trainee Chef of the Year and General Manager of the Year which went to Craig Hancox at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham.