Ronan Harte steps into BaxterStorey CEO role in WSH reshuffle

Westbury Street Holdings (WSH) is reshuffling its executive team and will see Ronan Harte step into the role of chief executive of BaxterStorey.

Harte (pictured), who was chief executive of the group's independent school caterer Holroyd Howe for nearly 10 years, will join the business and industry foodservice firm on 1 August. On that date Noel Mahony, who split the role as co-chief executive of BaxterStorey with John Bennett, is to become an executive director of WSH.

Bennett, who has spent 15 years with the business and was co-chief executive since 2012, is to take a role as a non-executive director. The recruitment process for the new Holroyd Howe chief executive is ongoing.

Alastair Storey, chairman of WSH, said: “Covid-19 has provided our industry with its biggest challenge to date, and we have taken the opportunity to make some positive changes in the business to support our recovery and provide opportunities for future talent. As a resilient industry, I am confident we will bounce back stronger, and providing opportunities for future talent is essential to this recovery.

“From 1 August, Ronan Harte will take the position of chief executive of BaxterStorey and Noel Mahony will take the role of executive director of WSH. Following 15 years with the business, John Bennett has decided the time is right to take a role as non-executive director. He will continue to provide valued support to both Ronan and Noel throughout the transition period.”

Mahony said: “Now is the right time to make positive changes across the business. The WSH family is a unique collection of entrepreneurial hospitality businesses. It provides us with an opportunity to deliver guest and employee experiences that are agile, authentic, and efficient, backed up by deep-seated social and sustainability values.

“I am genuinely excited at the prospect of developing increased collaboration with our WSH hospitality businesses, to provide an integrated client solution and a unique and authentic proposition for our customers.”

Harte added: “Our industry is one of resilience and we have an opportunity and a responsibility to help with its recovery. Part of this recovery is through promoting hospitality as a brilliant place to work for the next generation of talent.

“As chief executive of BaxterStorey, I will be building strong teams and continuing to focus on development opportunities for our people. An entrepreneurial business, the collaboration with other WSH brands allows us to expand our offer, share best practice and provide better experiences for our people, clients and customers.”