Compass Group UK & Ireland has announced appointed Andy Harris as managing director of Restaurant Associates, from spring 2011.

Harris, who has enjoyed a long-spanning 16-year career at Compass, most recently as sales and retention director for the UK and Ireland, takes over the role from Nick Potter.

Harris has accumulated a wealth of foodservice operational experience over the past 20 years, spending much of his career in the business and industry and fine dining sector. In his new role, he will be responsible for growing and leading Restaurant Associates (RA) on a national scale.

Ian Sarson, group managing director of Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “With the success of the Restaurant Associates business in London and in national accounts, we see great potential for continued future growth.

“Andy has played a major role on the Compass leadership team for many years. With his significant operational experience and his success as sales and retention director over the last three years, Andy is the ideal person to grow Restaurant Associates and to continue to provide the superior service for which the brand is recognised.”

Reporting directly to Ian Sarson, Harris will work closely with Jason Leek, md of its business and industry division, to ensure a continued development of RA’s service standards excellence.

Restaurant Associates has exclusive chef relationships with top chefs including Albert Roux, Michel Roux Jr, Gary Rhodes and Jason Atherton and, through its commercial restaurants, is the only foodservice provider to hold Michelin stars.

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