Leith’s, the conference and banqueting specialists of Compass Group and catering partner for ExCeL London, has appointed Toni Mears to the newly-created role of commercial sales manager.
Mears will act as the point of contact between Leith’s and ExCeL’s sales and business teams to ensure open communication and development of the food and beverage functions. As well as delivering outstanding quality and value to customers, Mears is aiming to lead an increase in sales revenue into the business through the development of new and existing clients.
The new appointment will bring a more targeted commercial focus to the business and offer greater support to the sales teams on both sides. Mears joins Leith’s with immediate effect from Gordon Ramsay Holdings where she was business development manager of 11 restaurants across London and responsible for the delivery of £6 million of private dining revenue and £1 million of group revenue.
Toni Mears commented: “I am very much looking forward to working with Leith’s and ExCeL’s talented teams to further strengthen their sales strategy and customer engagement through a client focused approach.”
Jo Austin, head of sales of Lime Venue Portfolio, said: “Toni is an accomplished sales person and a proficient business woman. She brings deep sales knowledge, experience and strong corporate and agency contacts, which will be key to help us realise our plans for growth.”
Leith’s was responsible for serving 12,555 young athletes over 3 days at The Sainsbury’s School Games 2012 event held at ExCeL earlier in May and at this year’s Planet Under Pressure conference, 20,000 visitors were catered for over 5 days. In the second half of 2012 Leith’s is preparing to cater for the Gastech Conference & Exhibition, 26th Edition, for upwards of 3700 delegates and at the 10th European Congress on Epileptology, more than 6700 guests are expected to attend.
