Vacherin MD Phil Roker to step up as chairman as Tom Rule takes helm

Contract caterer Vacherin has unveiled a senior leadership reshuffle, with managing director Phil Roker set to become chairman later this year, and operations director Tom Rule stepping up to managing director.

Roker joined Vacherin 20 years ago from Restaurant Associates and took up the role of managing director 10 years later.

Roker, who won the Foodservice Caterer Award at the 2019 Cateys, said: “Vacherin is in a very strong position, and the time is now right for me to empower someone else to take the business forward with new energy and focus”.

He added: “Tom is the right person for me to hand the reins to. He is an exceptional talent who will retain the core values and spirit that make Vacherin truly special, while embracing new ideas, technology and challenges. He has his finger on the pulse of our business, market, clients and teams, and I look forward to seeing him continue to flourish as he takes on this exciting new challenge.”

Roker said he will move into the role of chairman “where I will continue to support Tom, ensuring that the culture and ethos of Vacherin is retained while enjoying being part of our fantastic, talented and supportive team”.

Rule joined Vacherin in 2012 as operations manager, progressing to operations director.

His role will include aiming to create growth opportunities for Vacherin and its clients, such as overseeing the development of its central production kitchen ‘delivered-in’ business and driving forward its coffee culture.

Speaking of his new role, Rule said: “Vacherin is an incredible business with fantastic clients and people, and I’m thrilled and honoured to lead it into its exciting future. I’ve had a brilliant career journey with Vacherin so far, with great support and development opportunities that have brought me to this position.

“I look forward to working closely with Phil and the rest of the team as I settle into the role and we identify new opportunities for innovation and growth.”

Established in 2002, Vacherin became part of the CH&Co family in 2020, and more recently Compass Group UK & Ireland following its acquisition of CH&Co in 2024.