Tributes paid following death of Aramark UK's culinary director Gerard O'Sullivan

Tributes have been paid to Aramark UK's culinary director Gerard O'Sullivan who died on Sunday night, surrounded by family.

O'Sullivan, who had been with the contract caterer for more than 10 years, had been diagnosed with cancer at the end of 2017. His career highlights had included being appointed culinary director of the London 2012 Olympics

Frank Gleeson, president of Aramark Northern Europe, said: "For over 10 years, Gerard has been one of the brightest stars within our Aramark family. He will be remembered not only for his incredible culinary talents, but more importantly for his generous heart and devotion to developing young and talented chefs around the world. He selflessly shared his knowledge and talents with anyone who expressed an interest in food, nutrition or cooking. His passion for food and people is legendary and he transformed the culinary profile of Aramark UK, winning the hearts and minds of colleagues and clients alike.

"On behalf of Aramark he accepted the RP Global Sustainability Award at the Beyond London 2012 Awards for going beyond the London organising committee for the Olympic games’ sustainability guidelines around food, venue, waste management and employee training. Aramark was also recognised with the FSM Event Caterer of the Year 2012 and Gerard in particular with FSM Chef of the Year 2012.”

Following O’Sullivan’s death, Aramark has said it will continue his legacy of nurturing talent by creating a culinary fellowship in his name.

Aramark president and CEO, Eric Foss, said: “Gerard’s dreaming and doing for others is precisely the type of ‘enriching and nourishing lives’ that exemplify his career. The Gerard O’Sullivan Olympic Culinary Fellowship will be a hallmark of Aramark’s culture of recognition and a beacon of developing and nurturing our dedicated talent. I cannot imagine a more fitting and lasting tribute.”

Aramark honours Gerard O’Sullivan as Chef of the Year>>

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